Alaska Airlines inaugurates nonstop service today between Bellingham, Wash., and Honolulu. The daily flights provide a convenient alternative airport for travelers in northwestern Washington and southern British Columbia.

“With roots in the Pacific Northwest spanning many decades, we’re delighted to kick off Bellingham’s first-ever nonstop service to Hawaii,” said Joe Sprague, Alaska Airlines’ vice president of marketing. “Our new Honolulu flights offer travelers north of Seattle and the Lower Mainland of British Columbia great, low fares and easy access to some of Hawaii’s most popular beaches.”

Alaska Airlines is offering introductory $149* one-way fares for tickets purchased by Jan. 18 for travel from Bellingham to Honolulu (southbound) between Feb. 14 and June 9, 2011, and for travel from Honolulu to Bellingham (northbound) between Jan. 10 and June 9. Flights are available for booking today at www.alaskaair.com or by calling 1-800-ALASKAAIR (1-800-252-7522 or TTY/TDD line 1-800-392-0228).

In addition to the introductory fare sale, Alaska Airlines Vacations is offering complete packages, including airfare, hotel, transportation and tours starting at $495* per person. Visit www.alaskaair.com/vacations or call 1-800-468-2248 for complete terms and conditions.

“Our community is eager to enjoy these nonstop flights to Hawaii,” said Michael McAuley, president of the Port of Bellingham. “The port is pleased that Alaska Airlines is providing more destinations, visitors and business opportunities to Whatcom County.”

Alaska Airlines currently flies between Bellingham and Las Vegas, while its sister carrier, Horizon Air, offers five daily flights between Bellingham and Seattle.

Alaska and Horizon customers receive a variety of amenities at no extra charge. These include online reservations, advance seat selection, and complimentary inflight water, soft drinks, coffee and tea. On Hawaii flights, customers are also offered a complimentary Mai Tai, a passion-orange-guava blend juice, Mauna Loa macadamia nuts and “Hula Blend” coffee, custom designed for Alaska Airlines by Seattle’s Best Coffee.

The new Bellingham-Honolulu flights will be operated with Boeing 737-800 aircraft, accommodating 16 passengers in first class and 141 in the main cabin. Inflight service includes exotic Hawaiian-themed meals-for-purchase in the main cabin for $6 or $7, complimentary meal service in first class and Alaska Airlines’ digEplayer, a personal entertainment system offering a variety of movies, television shows, music and other features.