Traveling to Alaska offers breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife experiences, making it a dream destination for many. Planning a trip to this stunning state requires careful consideration of various factors, especially the cost of flights. With the state’s remote location and seasonal demand fluctuations, airfare prices can vary significantly.
Timing your visit to maximize savings can make a significant difference. In this article, we will explore how different times of the year impact flight prices to Alaska, helping you plan an unforgettable and affordable adventure.
When is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Alaska in 2024?
Generally, the cheapest time to fly to Alaska in 2024 is during the shoulder seasons, which are January and August. Prices tend to be higher during the peak summer months (June and July) when tourism is at its highest.
Here’s a breakdown of average flight prices by month to Alaska:
- January: $440 (round trip)
- February: $480 (round trip)
- March:$520 (round trip)
- April: $590 (round trip)
- May: $630 (round trip)
- June:$735 (round trip)
- July: $720 (round trip)
- August:$580 (round trip)
- September: $530 (round trip)
- October: $490 (round trip)
- November: $460 (round trip)
- December: $450 (round trip)
It’s important to note that these are just averages, and you may be able to find cheaper flights depending on your specific travel dates, airline, and destination city in Alaska.
Cheapest Airlines that Fly to Alaska in 2024
Here are nine of the cheapest airlines that fly to Alaska, along with a brief description for each:
- Ravn Alaska: This regional carrier offers scheduled and charter flights throughout Alaska, connecting smaller communities to major hubs. It is known for its affordable fares and focus on customer service in remote areas.
- Alaska Air: Alaska Air is a major carrier with a large network that serves many destinations in Alaska, including Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and Ketchikan. It offers a mix of fare classes, including budget-friendly options, and is known for its reliable service.
- Spirit Airlines: Spirit Airlines is a budget airline that offers significantly lower fares than most major carriers. However, be aware that they charge extra fees for many things, including checked bags, seat selection, and carry-on luggage that exceeds a certain size.
- JetBlue: JetBlue is another major carrier known for its comfortable seating, inflight entertainment options, and generally affordable fares. They offer a variety of routes to Alaska, including flights to Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau.
- Sun Country Airlines: Sun Country Airlines is a low-cost carrier that offers seasonal flights to Alaska, primarily from the western United States. They are a good option if you are flexible with your travel dates and can find a flight that works for you.
- GoundSilver: This regional airline offers scheduled and charter flights to Alaskan destinations, including Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau. It is known for its focus on customer service and commitment to safety.
- McAir: McAiris an Alaskan air carrier that provides scheduled passenger and cargo service to destinations in Western Alaska. They are a great option for reaching remote areas of the state.
- Grant Aviation: Grant Aviation is an Alaskan air carrier that provides year-round scheduled passenger and cargo service to destinations in Southcentral and Southeast Alaska. It is known for its experience and expertise in flying in challenging weather conditions.
- Seaway Airlines: Seaway Airlines is a regional airline that offers scheduled passenger service to destinations in Southeast Alaska. They also offer charter flights and other aviation services.
Pros & Cons of Flying to Alaska During the Cheapest Time
Pros:
- Save Money: The biggest advantage is significant cost savings on flights and potentially on accommodation too. Flights during peak summer (June & July) can be double the price of shoulder seasons.
- Fewer Crowds: Fewer tourists will be at popular attractions and during activities. This means shorter lines, easier access to tours and rentals, and a more relaxed atmosphere.
- Unique Experiences:
- January: Witness the awe-inspiring Northern Lights, a natural phenomenon only visible during winter.
- August: Experience Alaska’s “second summer” with warmer temperatures than spring and potentially better wildlife viewing opportunities as animals prepare for winter.
Cons:
- Limited Daylight (January): Alaska experiences very short daylight hours in January, with some areas having only a few hours of sunlight per day. This can limit your ability to enjoy outdoor activities.
- Potential for Cold Weather (January): January is the coldest month in Alaska, with average temperatures below freezing. Be prepared for cold temperatures and dress appropriately.
- Limited Activities (January): Some tours, activities, and businesses catering to tourists may have limited hours or be closed during winter.
- Unpredictable Weather (August): August can experience more unpredictable weather than peak summer months, with a higher chance of rain or storms.
- Reduced Services (August): Some seasonal businesses and amenities may be winding down for the year, potentially limiting your options.
Additional Tips to Save Money When Booking Flights to Alaska
- Consider alternative airports: Don’t just focus on flying into the major airport (ANC) in Anchorage. Look for smaller airports in your destination city or nearby towns. Smaller airports often have lower landing fees, which can translate to cheaper fares.
- Utilize incognito or private browsing mode: Airlines and travel websites sometimes use cookies to track your searches and inflate prices if you show repeated interest in a particular route. Incognito mode helps prevent this.
- Explore alternative travel dates: Be flexible with your travel window. Even flying a day earlier or later on weekdays compared to weekends can lead to significant savings.
- Search for error fares and flight deals: Some websites and apps specialize in finding error fares (mistakenly low prices) and flight deals. These can be a great way to score a fantastic deal, but be quick to book, as they get corrected quickly.
- Consider flying into a different city: If your primary goal isn’t Alaska itself but rather exploring a specific region within Alaska, fly into a major hub city outside of Alaska and then connect on a cheaper regional carrier or even a ferry to reach your final destination.
- Use travel points and credit card rewards: If you have accumulated travel points or credit card rewards, use them towards your flight purchase. Many travel reward programs offer transfer options to airline partners that fly to Alaska.
Frequently Asked Questions
Flights to Alaska are generally cheaper on weekdays, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays, compared to weekends when demand is higher.
To get the best deal, booking your flight to Alaska 3-6 months in advance is recommended. Prices tend to be lower during this booking window.
Flight prices to Alaska may drop slightly during the off-peak holiday seasons, such as after Thanksgiving and before Christmas, but it’s best to avoid major holidays when prices are higher.
Yes, flying into different Alaskan airports can affect the cost. Anchorage generally has more flight options and competitive prices, while smaller airports like Fairbanks and Juneau may have higher fares.
