Oh, airlines are really hard on me sometimes. A few days ago, Alaska Airlines announced that it will begin service between Portland and Miami in November 2023. And now American Airlines just announced that it would be launching the exact same route just a few weeks ago.
American Airlines adds Miami-Portland service from November 2023
American Airlines has updated its schedule to add a new transcontinental flight from Miami. @IshrionA. Beginning November 5, 2023, American Airlines will add nonstop flights between Miami (MIA) and Portland (PDX) daily, year-round. The flights will operate according to the schedule below.
AA2888 Miami to Portland Depart 7:30pm Arrive 11:20pm
AA2889 Portland to Miami Depart 11:55pm, arrive 8:41am (+1 day)
The 2,700-mile flight will be closed eastbound at 6 hours 50 minutes and 5 hours 46 minutes and will be operated by a Boeing 737 MAX 8. I believe this will be the first time American Airlines will operate non-stop flights between Miami and Portland, and it complements American Airlines’ existing service. From Miami to the Pacific Northwest, this airline flies from Miami to Seattle.
This shouldn’t be a problem for Americans, but as someone who wakes up early and goes to bed early, I have to say that I hate this schedule and would never take this flight. 7:30pm is basically the time to go to bed, not the time you want to catch a 7 hour domestic flight. Likewise, I take sleep very seriously, which is why I mostly avoid domestic red eyes.
Airlines are funny sometimes and consumers win
Airlines sometimes have wacky ways to compete. For many years, American did not see the merits of operating a route between Miami and Portland, apparently because it decided there were better ways to fly. Alaska Airlines’ announcement that it would like to operate the route has sparked interest from American Airlines as well.
Therefore, flights between Miami and Portland will change from 0 to 2 flights per day. And of course, each flight is taking off within a few weeks, with the US flight taking off right before the Alaska flight.
Many will probably say, “But wait, aren’t America and Alaska partners?” Although they are partners, they do not have a joint venture (or anything of the sort), so neither airline can coordinate schedules or fares. Don’t get me wrong, this is not the two airlines working together in any way to decide that this is an untapped market that both companies want to serve. Rather, American Airlines’ decision to launch this route is a direct competitive response to Alaska’s decision.
Now, I don’t quite understand what this kind of “attack” between airlines is for. If American Airlines never thought it would make sense to have one daily flight between the two airports, suddenly it thinks it’s time to open this route when another airline adds service as well. Is not it?
What is the thought process of people in American Airlines’ route planning department?
- Do they think this will act as a “warning” to Alaska not to push further into US hubs?
- Do they think there is suddenly enough demand in this market to offer two flights a day when it was not a priority before?
- Do they think they can beat Alaska here and drive the airline out of the market?
Honestly, this kind of partnership is great for consumers. You must love how airlines have to compete with each other for routes and fares, yet offer mutual elite benefits, as well as mutual mileage earning and redemption opportunities.
Although competing airlines, the two airlines have codeshare agreements, so you can book American Airlines from Miami to Portland in combination with a layover in Alaska, or vice versa. .
Conclusion
American Airlines will add new daily, year-round flights between Miami and Portland beginning in November 2023. The addition comes days after Alaska Airlines announced it would be opening the same route. Although the two airlines are in partnership, this is not a joint effort as they compete on schedules and fares.
Rather, this is a competitive reaction on the American part. I always find this kind of catfight a little weird, but I don’t know what it’s intended for.
What are your thoughts on America matching Alaska with flights from Miami to Portland?
