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Competition is ratcheting up a notch as commercial aviation continues flying high at the Medford airport. Passenger activity posted double-digit gains for the seventh straight month in April as records fell for the 14th consecutive month, and for the 42nd time in 44 months, going back to September 2014. The five airlines serving the Rogue Valley reported 75,592 travelers passed through the gates in April, a 13.1 percent gain from the 66,815 of a year ago. Through the first four months of 2018, 271,420 passengers have flown in and out of Medford, 13.4 percent more than a year ago. Alaska, which has been the market’s dominant airline for the past decade but recently suffered from a pilot shortage, saw a 13.5 percent decline in April. Virtually every other player picked up ground. Delta Airlines upped its pressure on Alaska, by adding a second non-stop flight to Seattle, commencing June 8 with a 3:30 p.m. departure for Sea-Tac airport. So while Alaska struggles to keep its top spot in the Medford market, Delta is securely in the No. 3 and should top 10,000 passengers during summer months. Alaska slipped below 30,000 passengers in April, while United’s count surpassed 23,000 with a boost from recently added Los Angeles flights coming. Las Vegas-based Allegiant Air resumed seasonal flights to Mesa, Arizona, this month. “It’s a breeze getting people in and out of here,” said Brian Mein of Caveman Travel. “We’re fortunate to have four airlines (Allegiant doesn’t book with outside agents). Most cities with our size of population are lucky to have two airlines. Compared to other areas with a similar size, we’ve got a great situation.” The only significant issue for travelers looking to fly beyond the West Coast, he said, is the lack of options to the Bay Area. United has three daily departures to San Francisco International, but there are no flights to San Jose or Oakland. “We need more competition to the Bay Area,” Mein said. “I would like to see Alaska add a southbound flight to San Jose.” The result of American Airlines starting flights to Los Angeles International and Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix last summer have been evident. “Prices have been excellent,” Mein said. “People think they should be cheaper, but they’re losing their mind if they think they should be paying what they were 10 years ago.” Reach reporter Greg Stiles at 541-776-4463 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GregMTBusiness or www.facebook.com/greg.stiles.31.