Horizon Air Providing Only Link Between Key Cities and State Capitals in Montana and California

8/25/2008 7:01 a.m.


SEATTLE — Beginning today, Horizon Air's new flight schedule is filling a major gap by adding the only link between vital business centers and state capitals in California and Montana:

- In California, Horizon is operating a once-daily nonstop flight between Sacramento and San Jose, one of the state's most important business centers and home to Silicon Valley. Northbound, the flight continues from Sacramento to another state capital, Boise, Idaho.

- In Montana, Horizon is operating a once-daily nonstop flight between Helena and Billings, the state's largest city.

"Our business is all about creating connections, in this case between state capital decision makers and their constituents in these major business centers," said Dan Russo, Horizon's vice president of marketing and communications. "People who used to take to the road to travel between these cities found that freeway congestion and driving distances made for very long days. Now, with our new service, they can skip the expensive gas station, spend a productive business day in the capital and be home in time for dinner."

The flight from San Jose leaves at 9:30 a.m., arriving in Sacramento at 10:10 a.m. The return trip to San Jose leaves at 5:05 p.m., arriving at 5:45 p.m. The flight to Billings leaves at 7:00 a.m., arriving in Helena at 7:59 a.m. The return trip to Billings leaves at 5:30 p.m., arriving at 6:25 p.m.

Fares start as low as $49 each way for a 14-day advance purchase between San Jose and Sacramento. For flights between Billings and Helena until Sept. 30, fares start at $89 each way for a 7-day advance purchase. For travel taking place after Sept. 27, the Billings/Helena $89 fare is valid for 14-day advance purchase.

The flights are operated with the Bombardier Q400. This 76-seat, high-speed, twin-engine turboprop is one of the most technologically advanced regional aircraft in the world. It's as quiet and comfortable as a jet – thanks to special technology that suppresses noise and vibration, generously sized overhead storage bins, unobstructed under-seat space, and ample headroom (6 feet, 5 inches). The Q400 is also among the most environmentally friendly aircraft today, burning 30 percent less fuel and producing 30 percent lower emissions than comparable jets.

Reservations for these flights can be made by visiting horizonair.com or by calling Horizon Air Reservations at 800-547-9308.

Horizon serves 49 cities throughout Arizona, California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Baja California Sur (Mexico), and British Columbia and Alberta (Canada). Together, Horizon Air and Alaska Airlines serve 93 cities and are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group, Inc. (NYSE:ALK).

FARE RULES: $49 fare valid between San José and Sacramento on nonstop flights only with 14-day advance purchase. $89 fare valid between Billings and Helena on nonstop flights only with 7-day advance purchase for travel completed by Sept. 27. Not Included in the Fare Shown: U.S. Airport Passenger Facility Charges of $4.50 and Federal Segment Tax of $3.50 and U.S. Security Fee of $2.50 per enplanement each way. Other Important Information: Tickets are nonrefundable, but can be changed for a $75 fee when changes are made online at horizonair.com ($100 when changes are made through our reservation call center or ticket counters and $125 when originally booked through a travel agent and changes are made through our reservation call center or ticket counter) and any applicable changes to fare. Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights or all days. All fares, taxes, and fees are subject to change without notice and other restrictions apply. A ticket purchased at a Horizon Air/Alaska Airlines call center or ticket counter will cost $15 more per person than the advertised fare. Passengers may check one bag for free. A second bag may be checked for $25. A fee of $100 will be assessed for each additional checked bag. Additional fees apply to overweight or oversized checked baggage. Complete fare rules available at horizonair.com.