Delta to offer seasonal direct flight to Los Angeles

Delta Air Lines will offer an “experimental” seasonal direct flight between Los Angeles and Glacier Park International Airport beginning this winter.

The nonstop flight from LAX will be made available Dec. 21 though Jan. 5, 2014. Seats are now available for the service, which will be offered in a two-class, 76-seat jet.

“L.A. is a strong market for us,” Glacier Park International Airport Director Cindi Martin said. “It appears that Delta is going to test the waters.”

Whitefish Chamber of Commerce director Kevin Gartland says Delta may offer the direct flight through February or March, and possibly in the summer, if the seasonal flight is a success.

Whitefish Mountain Resort officials say the flight opens a door of opportunity into a market with more than 18 million people.

“We’re already getting a lot of people from that area,” said resort spokeswoman Riley Polumbus. “It’s an opportunity to grow our business in that market with the amount of people in that area.”

Marketing the flight for a short two-week window could be a challenge, both Polumbus and Gartland said.

“Anytime you set up a flight that’s limited, you worry about if and when it’s being marketed,” Gartland said. “It’s gong to be interesting. We’ll do our part to promote travel to L.A.”

The ski resort has already sent out a news blast about the new flight through social media.

“We got a response right away,” Polumbus said.

“It’s an expensive market, but it’s exciting to have a chance.”

She says California skiers could be enticed to Whitefish by the value offered and open spaces.

“We’re less crowded than other resorts and the value of what you get here is outstanding.”

Airline Enhancement and Expansion Outreach committee chairman Paul Johannsen notes that private fund guarantees aren’t being used for the seasonal L.A. flight.

AERO is aiming to raise between $500,000 and $750,000 in annual pledges to help lure more year-round or winter flights to the valley.