Story perspectives

Airlines Soar This Thanksgiving: Promotions and Expansion Announced

12/3/2025

Summary

Story summary

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines posted strong Thanksgiving performance, with an on-time rate of 82.3% and a completion rate of 99.1% after operating nearly 7,100 flights.
They launched Travel Tuesday promotions, offering buy-one-get-one offers to international destinations such as Tokyo and Seoul.
Southwest Airlines announced expansion of its West Coast network, adding routes and increasing flights from San Diego to boost leisure travel and cement California's largest carrier status.

History

Historical Context

The Airline Deregulation Act of 1978, signed by President Jimmy Carter, eliminated federal control over fares and routes, fostering competition in the U.S. aviation industry. By 1990, domestic air travel surged by 50%. This shift benefited airlines like Alaska and Southwest, which adapted successfully, while many legacy carriers struggled, leading to significant industry consolidation and the emergence of low-cost carriers.

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Story summary

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines posted strong Thanksgiving performance, with an on-time rate of 82.3% and a completion rate of 99.1% after operating nearly 7,100 flights.
They launched Travel Tuesday promotions, offering buy-one-get-one offers to international destinations such as Tokyo and Seoul.
Southwest Airlines announced expansion of its West Coast network, adding routes and increasing flights from San Diego to boost leisure travel and cement California's largest carrier status.

1 / 2