Flying in Alaska
In Alaska, aviation isn’t just a convenient mode of transportation—it’s an essential lifeline and a profound cultural tradition. With vast wilderness areas, limited road systems, and challenging terrain, Alaska relies on air travel more than any other state, boasting the highest number of pilots and aircraft per capita in the US.
Understanding Alaska’s Aviation Landscape
The Necessity of Flight
More than 80% of Alaska’s communities are not connected to the road system, making air travel essential for delivering goods, services, and people to remote areas. For many villages, planes are the only year-round connection to the outside world.
Types of Air Service
Alaska’s aviation network includes:
- Major Airlines: For interstate and international travel
- Regional Carriers: Connecting hub cities to smaller communities
- Air Taxis: On-demand charter services to remote locations
- Bush Planes: Versatile aircraft servicing wilderness areas
- Flightseeing Operations: Scenic tours for tourists
Major Airlines and Airports
Primary Gateway Airports
- Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC): Alaska’s largest airport and a major cargo hub
- Fairbanks International Airport (FAI): Gateway to Interior and Arctic Alaska
- Juneau International Airport (JNU): Main airport for Southeast Alaska
Airlines Serving Alaska
- Interstate Service: Alaska Airlines, Delta, United, American (seasonal)
- Intrastate Service: Alaska Airlines, Ravn Alaska, Grant Aviation, Wright Air Service
- International Service: Air Canada, Condor (seasonal), Icelandair (seasonal)
Regional Air Travel
Major Regional Carriers
- Alaska Airlines: Serves larger communities throughout the state
- Ravn Alaska: Hub-and-spoke system from Anchorage to western and northern communities
- Grant Aviation: Serving Southwest Alaska and the Aleutian Chain
- Bering Air: Serving Nome and the Bering Strait region
- Wright Air Service: Serving Fairbanks and the Interior/Arctic
What to Expect on Regional Flights
- Smaller aircraft (typically 9-37 passengers)
- Weight restrictions on luggage (typically 50 lbs total)
- Flights subject to weather cancellations
- Basic services without in-flight amenities
- Stunning views from lower cruising altitudes
Bush Planes and Remote Access
Types of Bush Planes
- Float Planes: Land on water with pontoons (popular in Southeast and Southcentral)
- Wheel Planes: Traditional landing gear for gravel strips and beaches
- Ski Planes: Winter operations on snow and ice surfaces
- Amphibious Aircraft: Capable of landing on both water and runways
Common Bush Plane Models
- De Havilland Beaver: The iconic Alaska bush plane
- Cessna 185/206: Versatile single-engine workhorses
- Pilatus PC-12: Modern single-engine turboprop
- Piper Super Cub: Lightweight, can land almost anywhere
Flightseeing and Scenic Tours
Popular Flightseeing Destinations
- Denali: Circle the tallest peak in North America
- Ruth Glacier and the Great Gorge: Fly through “The Grand Canyon of Alaska”
- Glaciers: Spectacular views of tidewater and valley glaciers
- Bear Viewing: Fly to remote locations for wildlife viewing
Specialized Air Tours
- Helicopter Glacier Landings: Step out onto ancient ice fields
- Arctic Circle Flights: Day trips from Fairbanks
- Fly-in Fishing: Access remote streams and lakes
- Remote Hot Springs: Fly to natural hot springs in wilderness settings
Weather Considerations
- Flights frequently delayed or canceled due to weather
- Build flexibility into your itinerary
- Consider travel insurance covering weather delays
- Summer offers more reliable flying conditions than winter
Booking Tips
- Book well in advance for summer peak season
- Be prepared for schedule changes
- Mileage tickets on Alaska Airlines can be valuable for intrastate travel
- Package delivery subsidizes many rural routes, making passenger service possible
Luggage Restrictions
- Strict weight limits on smaller aircraft
- Soft-sided bags preferred on bush flights
- Essential items should travel with you, not checked
Cost Expectations
- Flying in Alaska is expensive due to distances, fuel costs, and challenging operations
- Round-trip prices from Anchorage to rural areas often range from $400-$1,000
- Flightseeing tours typically range from $250-$600 per person
The Alaska Aviation Experience
For many visitors, flying in Alaska isn’t just transportation—it’s a quintessential Alaska experience offering perspectives impossible to achieve any other way. Whether you’re taking a scheduled flight to a remote community or a dedicated flightseeing tour, the aerial views of Alaska’s vast wilderness provide memories that last a lifetime.
Plan Your Alaska Flying Experience with Ahnapee Travel
For expert advice on incorporating flights and flightseeing into your Alaska itinerary, contact Ahnapee Travel at andrew@ahnapeetravel.com.