How Alaska Airlines' 76-Seat Regional Jets Are Quietly Outflanking Southwest In San Diego

Alaska Airlines is steadily expanding in San Diego International Airport (SAN), tightening competition with Southwest, the long-time dominant carrier there. Southwest still leads with about 35% of passengers, while Alaska carries roughly 21% and is building out a route network that relies heavily on its Alaska Horizon regional brand. Alaska has served SAN for decades, but growth accelerated in the 2010s, including a Boeing 737 pilot base opened in June 2026 and a flight attendant domicile operating for more than 10 years. The article notes Horizon’s role in departures while highlighting that Horizon itself does not run crew domiciles at SAN.