Horizon Air
A U.S. regional airline operating Alaska Airlines-branded flights with Embraer E175 aircraft, primarily connecting communities across the Pacific Northwest and western United States.
About Horizon Air
Horizon Air is a regional airline founded in 1981 and headquartered in the Seattle area of Washington state. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alaska Air Group, alongside Alaska Airlines. Although Horizon retains its own operating certificate, crews and corporate identity, its scheduled passenger flights are sold and presented under the Alaska Airlines brand. The carrier uses the IATA code QX and ICAO code QXE.
The airline’s network is centered on Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Portland International Airport, with additional flying through cities such as Boise and Spokane. Horizon primarily links smaller and medium-sized communities with Alaska Airlines’ larger western gateways. Its routes cover the Pacific Northwest, California, the Mountain West and selected Canadian markets, supporting both local journeys and connections to Alaska Airlines’ broader domestic and international network.
Horizon operates Embraer E175 regional jets, having retired its Bombardier Q400 turboprops. The E175 is configured for Alaska Airlines with First Class, Premium Class and Main Cabin seating, giving passengers a cabin product broadly aligned with the mainline carrier. The aircraft’s two-by-two layout means there are no middle seats, although overhead-bin capacity remains more limited than on larger mainline jets.
Horizon is not independently presented as a global airline-alliance member, but its Alaska Airlines-branded services participate in Alaska’s network and passenger-benefit structure. Eligible travellers can earn and redeem miles through Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, while status benefits generally follow Alaska’s published rules. Connections may also link with Alaska Airlines and its Oneworld partners, subject to the ticket, itinerary and operating carrier.
A notable strength is Horizon’s role in providing frequent regional links and through-ticket connections across the western United States. Its E175 aircraft offer a more mainline-like experience than many smaller regional jets, particularly because every row avoids a middle seat. The trade-off is that regional operations can be more exposed to weather disruption, aircraft substitutions and restricted cabin-storage space, especially at busy Pacific Northwest hubs.
Good to know
Flying with Horizon Air — what to expect
Alaska-Branded Flights
Horizon flights are normally sold and displayed as Alaska Airlines services. Check the operating-carrier line on your itinerary to confirm whether Horizon Air will operate the flight.
No Middle Seats
Horizon’s Embraer E175 aircraft use a two-by-two seating layout, so passengers do not have a middle seat. Seat pitch and included benefits still depend on the cabin and fare purchased.
Limited Bin Space
Overhead bins on regional jets are smaller than those on many mainline aircraft. Larger carry-on bags may need to be checked or collected planeside when airport procedures permit.
Mileage Plan Benefits
Eligible flights can earn Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan credit, and qualifying elite benefits may apply. Confirm earning rates and upgrade eligibility for the specific fare before booking.
Regional Connections
Allow a sensible connection margin at Seattle or Portland, particularly during periods of poor weather. A through-ticket generally provides better rebooking protection than separate reservations.
Check Alaska Policies
Alaska Airlines handles booking, check-in and most customer-facing policies for Horizon-operated services. Review Alaska’s current baggage, boarding and same-day travel rules before departure.
Route network
Popular routes operated by Horizon Air
Notable destinations on Horizon Air's network.
Destination list is indicative of Horizon Air's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
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FAQ
Horizon Air — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- Horizon’s destination total changes as Alaska Airlines adjusts seasonal schedules and assigns routes between regional operators. Consult Alaska Airlines’ current timetable or booking engine for the latest network count.
- Horizon-operated flights generally follow Alaska Airlines’ carry-on rules. Because Embraer E175 overhead bins have limited space, a compliant bag may still need to be checked or handled planeside on a full flight.
- Fares are often lowest when booked in advance for off-peak travel, particularly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Saturdays outside holidays. Prices vary by route and demand, so comparing nearby dates is more reliable than relying on one universal booking day.
- Horizon’s longest scheduled route can change as Alaska Airlines reallocates regional flying and updates seasonal schedules. Check the current timetable for the longest active Horizon-operated sector, identified by the operating-carrier details.
- Horizon Air serves regional destinations across the Pacific Northwest, California, the Mountain West and selected Canadian markets under the Alaska Airlines brand. Its network includes cities such as Seattle, Portland, Boise, Spokane, Eugene, Medford and Vancouver.
- Horizon Air’s operation is centered primarily on Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, with Portland International Airport also serving as a major base. Many flights connect regional communities with Alaska Airlines services at these gateways.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts. Originfacts never adds a fee to the prices it displays.
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Portland International Airport are Horizon’s most important departure points. Boise Airport and Spokane International Airport also support a meaningful share of its regional flying.