I have never flown this route, so wanted some help... (Apologies if it seems horribly stupid and mundane!)
I want to go to Anchorage and Denali this summer, and of course my first thought was going with Alaska. I'd like to go around end of July and beginning of August, but I am totally flexible.
Are prices around $324 roundtrip in coach a decent sounding fare, or can I do better? Are there ever specials or fares for this route? Or does it tend to be relatively expensive?
And how is first class on this route? Worth the extra cost? Any deals here?
Any help would be appreciated! And again, sorry if it seems so mundane! :)
...although on a clear day, the scenery is the IFE.One of the reasons I always seem to have enjoyed Alaska; practically every flight I have ever taken with them seemed like a grand tour of the grandest scenary on Earth (a.k.a. the West Coast). We once flew around Mt. Rainier. Another time over Yosemite and El Capitan as the sun was setting on golden winter day... spectacular.
I think $324 is a pretty good price for peak season. Could go a bit lower, but I wouldn't count on it. Don't expect a cheap upgrade at the airport. As others have said, SEA-ANC is historically one of the more difficult routes to u/g. That said, I think Y is fine (esp if you can get exit row), and the Digeplayer will make the flight go faster, although on a clear day, the scenery is the IFE.
It is hard to say if you could do better on the fare. The fares are higher than they were last year. I averaged about $300 for my weekly RTs last summer. There was always a $199 RT off on some date I was never traveling. If I planned ahead $250 was the fare. Those are time specific fares that typically matched United's flights (2x day).
As far as purchased F? I've never paid it so I don't know the cost. Definitely makes the flight go much better. They actually give you a meal rather than a warm chicken sandwich if you fly before 7 pm. After that it might just be a thimble cup of warm nuts. Now if you fly between JNU & ANC they go all the way for even the snack flights, fruit, cheese & crackers.
You can purchase an upgrade at the airport your day of flight for an additional $100 each way if there is availability. If you have status, AS upgrades for free based on availability.
AS has no inflight entertainment except their digiplayers which is loaded with a couple movies, tv shows, music and some sight seeing stuff. They are handed out to all of the F passengers and rented to coach for $10/apiece first come first served.
You might check the coupon connection. AS MVPs get coupons to give out that are totally transferable so there might be some floating around out there.
As far as the marine highway goes... you should be able to find info on our blue canoe at the state website www.state.ak.us The cost will be astronomical with a berth and there is only one sailing a month that will take you cross sound between the Inside Passage and S. Central. All of that aside, it is absolutely worth the cost and THAT would be a trip of a lifetime. With AS' one way pricing structure you could float up, fly back!
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I have never flown this route, so wanted some help... (Apologies if it seems horribly stupid and mundane!)
I want to go to Anchorage and Denali this summer, and of course my first thought was going with Alaska. I'd like to go around end of July and beginning of August, but I am totally flexible.
Are prices around $324 roundtrip in coach a decent sounding fare, or can I do better? Are there ever specials or fares for this route? Or does it tend to be relatively expensive?
And how is first class on this route? Worth the extra cost? Any deals here?
Any help would be appreciated! And again, sorry if it seems so mundane! :)
1. The price sounds reasonable for that time of year. There are occasionally specials...keep an eye on alaskaair.com
2. First class is just like any other domestic US airline. It will be more comfortable and have a meal usually. Summer SEA-ANC flights will be full. If you don't want to ride in the back with lots of folks than FC will be worth it. Only you can decide if it's worth it for you though. The flight is 1448 miles and takes a little over 3 hours.
Hope that helps! Come see our great state and fly on our great airline! ^
Thanks for the info...
I also checked United, but their fares are higher and their schedule is utter crap (leaves/arrives middle of the night). Plus it's United...
I probably will not go for first class, unless it's a cheap upgrade at the airport. Save my money for other things. Besides, I have always been satisfied with Alaska service and offerings down the back. (At least when I was flying on a frequent basis LAX-SEA).
Thanks again! Looks like I can book away... (unless there are other suggestions).
Hi Schmeck!
I used to live in Seattle and flew to ANC 5-6 times a year, this is my (limited) experience with the flight prices: Fares can be as low as $199 round-trip but only during the off season. In the summer, the prices get much more expensive, $324 is pretty good, prices will probably rise (mid-400s) as the summer approaches. There are occasionally web specials to ANC, but they are very short notice and occur randomly, so probably not a good option if you are trying to plan a vacation. Some folks on the board for SEA-ANC every week, they might have better insight on the pricing schedule.
If you want a real adventure, consider taking the Alaska Marine Highway ferry from Bellingham to Seward. It's quite an experience (but not any less expensive than a flight). It takes about a week, and many people will camp on the deck of the boat instead of purchasing a berth on the ship. I haven't done it in a while so I don't know if thing have changed significantly. If you've got a few weeks to spare, it's something to consider.
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Help with SEA-ANC flights