Deal alert: Alaska flights from $29 one way through 2021
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
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Who remembers the Safety Dance song of the early 1980s? Well, you won't have to be a fan of retro music to take advantage of the latest flight deal from Alaska Airlines.
The Pacific Northwest carrier claims that its "safety dance" for keeping passengers well protected onboard is second to none. "You'll see just how seriously we take safety, and our dance moves," the airline's sale page declares.
Today only, Jan. 14, you'll be able to see these safety dances for yourself on your next flight: Book sale fares starting as low as $29 one way on select routes — $10 lower than the advertised sale rates of $39 one way.
Related: Do children need to wear a face mask to fly?
Related: What it's like to fly Alaska Airlines
Alaska is waiving all change and cancellation fees on tickets purchased by March 31, 2021. Saver fares cannot be changed, but can be canceled for future travel credit. Changes in schedule or dates may incur fare differences.
Should I book travel now?
While we have lots of hope for travel in 2021, the very early parts of the year have already shaped up to be some of the worst months we've seen yet, in terms of COVID-19 case counts, as we await a wide-scale vaccine roll-out.
Multiple states have new restrictions on travel. Quarantine and testing requirements are also present in many states and countries — and the rules can change quickly.
Keep in mind that Alaska Airlines requires all passengers over the age of two must wear a mask or face covering over their nose and mouth, with no exceptions. Alaska is also phasing out blocked middle seats in early January.
We are really crossing our fingers that things will start to turn the corner by the spring months, though we all know that there are no guarantees. Fortunately, Alaska no longer charges fees if you need to change or cancel your trip, other than the fare difference between your old ticket and new.
Related: Why I'm not traveling right now
Alaska Airlines deals currently available
The Safety Dance sale is limited to a certain number of seats per flight, and may not be available on all flights or all days. If nonstop service is offered during the advertised travel period, the advertised fare applies to the nonstop flights only. Bag fees apply for checked baggage.
Here are some of the routes included in today's sale:
Airlines: Alaska Airlines
Routes: Primarily limited to west coast cities, including Honolulu
How to book: Directly through the airline sale page
Travel dates: From Jan. 14, 2021. There does not appear to be a date by which travel must be completed, nor does the fine print list any blackout dates.
Book by: 11:59 p.m. PT on Jan. 14, 2021
Pay With: The Platinum Card® from American Express (5x on airfare booked directly with the airline; earn 5x points on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year), Citi Prestige® Card (5x on airfare), Citi Premier® Card (3x on airfare), Chase Sapphire Reserve (3x on travel), American Express® Gold Card (3x on airfare booked directly with the airline or amextravel.com) or Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (2x on travel)
The information for the Citi Prestige Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Sample itineraries
Here's a look at some of the deals you could book. This isn't an exhaustive list, so you will be able to find deals between other cities as well.
Hawaii
If you need some Hawaii in your life — who doesn't, by now? — you can do so with rates beginning at $99 per person from San Jose (SJC). But if you do plan to head to the Aloha State, be sure and familiarize yourself with the state's entry requirements.
Sale fare availability in the spring months is widespread, with February through April showing the most dates at the $99 price point one way.
Related: Here's what it is like to travel to Hawaii right now
To easily find the lowest fares possible, check off the "flexible dates" box in the search field or switch from "schedule" view to "calendar" on the left side of the search page. You'll see a calendar displaying the lowest fares year-round.
Las Vegas
The lowest rates you'll find are between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, for $29 each way. A quick mid-week jaunt in late February will set you back just $57 total — enough left over for you to hit the craps tables if you wish.
Cross-country routes
You won't have to break the bank to get from one coastline to another. A number of transcontinental routes are on sale today, between New York and Seattle, Los Angeles and Fort Lauderdale, and more.
For example, this round-trip flight between New York (JFK) and Seattle (SEA) will set you back less than $200 in mid-February.
How to book
To get in on these great rates, you can use Google Flights to help you find the cheapest dates, or head directly to Alaska's website to make your purchase by 11:59 p.m. (PT) today, Jan. 14, 2021.
Related: Your complete guide to maximizing Google Flights
Maximize your purchase
Don't forget to use a credit card that earns bonus points on airfare purchases, such as The Platinum Card® from American Express (5x on airfare booked directly with the airline or through American Express Travel), Citi Prestige® Card (5x on airfare), Citi Premier® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve (3x on airfare), American Express® Gold Card (3x on airfare) or the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (2x on travel). Check out this post for more on maximizing airfare purchases.
You can also pay with discounted Alaska Airlines gift cards.
Screenshots by Alaska Airlines.