 Alaska Airlines announced a plan in June 2013 to begin replacing Boeing 737s on flights between Fairbanks and Anchorage , Alaska with Bombardier Q400s operated by Horizon Air and based out of Anchorage beginning in March 2014 . The plan was intended to reduce operating expenses and eventually lower fares , but was met with a great deal of skepticism by Fairbanks residents who expressed their frustration about safety of the aircraft and outside boarding in the cold winter climate through social media . Alaska Airlines responded to the comments on Facebook attempting to reassure passengers of the safety of the Bombardier Q400s as well as promising to address the unusual aspects of flying in Alaska . The airline ended up modifying one of the jetways at Fairbanks International Airport so that passengers would not have to go outside to board . 
