Alaska Air Travel

How big is Alaska, exactly? If you saw one million acres a day, it would take you more than a year to cover the whole state. Because of this vast expanse, Alaskan towns connected to the road system often lie many hours apart, and some communities aren't even accessible by car. So to make the most of your time, you may want-or have-to fly between certain destinations.

Many people travel along the "Rail Belt Corridor" (Seward, Homer, Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali and Fairbanks), but it doesn't make sense to fly this route unless you're strapped for time or have no interest in the sights. The spectacular scenery on this drive (or train ride) is part of what you came to Alaska for, and it's only 2-3 hours from one town to the next.

Alaska Airlines is the only airline to offer jet service in Alaska, and serves the almost thirty communities, usually with one or two flights a day. To serve rural communities, Alaska Airlines has codeshare relationships with Era Aviation and Pen Air, so although you booked your flight through Alaska Airlines, you'll be traveling on either Era's or Pen Air's planes. View a list of Alaska vacation destinations and the air carriers that serve them.

These in-state carriers generally fly reliable 18- to 40-seat turbo-prop planes to larger rural communities, and 8- to 10-seaters to smaller villages. Flying into rural

Alaska airports is like taking a step back in time. The airport facilities are basic and the staff generally laid back. In smaller towns, the counter staff often knows many of the passengers on the flight.

If you’re heading to remote rivers, lakes or lodges, you may need to take a still smaller plane to your final destination. You have a couple options, the first of which is an air taxi. Air taxis sometimes offer scheduled flights, but more often, you’ll have to charter a plane, which (unless you’re traveling with a group) can get very expensive. Expect a small plane and to be limited in the amount of gear you can bring. Air taxis that have been around for a while have knowledgeable, experienced pilots. But in severe weather, don’t put any pressure on your pilot to get there; it’s better to be safe and arrive later than expected.

The second option is a mail plane. These are cargo planes that fly mail and supplies to various remote communities throughout Alaska. Many of these planes offer a few seats to get people in and out.

When would you take one of these options? If you were heading to the McCarthy-Kennicott area from Anchorage, you could save yourself the eight-hour drive and either charter a flight with Wrangell Mountain Air or grab a seat on the Security Aviation mail plane.

In general, Alaska’s flight network is well developed and you won’t be left in the middle of nowhere (unless of course you request that!). Flying into rural Alaska is an adventure and will provide you with plenty of stories to take home.