This specific route designation typically represents a scheduled air service operated by Alaska Airlines. Such designations uniquely identify a particular flight and are essential for scheduling, ticketing, and air traffic control. A route number often remains consistent even if the departure and arrival times, aircraft type, or intermediate stops change seasonally or operationally.
Consistent route numbering provides predictability and simplifies travel planning for passengers. It allows for efficient tracking of flights and their performance metrics for the airline. Historical data associated with a specific route number can be valuable for analysis, contributing to route optimization and improvements in customer service. Understanding the details of a specific air route provides context for news, discussions, or analysis related to air travel.