Alaska, known for its breathtaking landscapes, towering glaciers, and abundant wildlife, is a dream destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Understanding the cheapest time to fly to Alaska can help you maximize your budget while experiencing what the Last Frontier offers.
By factoring in Alaska’s peak tourist seasons and off-peak periods, you can find the cheapest time to book flights y to Alaska and ensure your adventure doesn’t break the bank. Keep reading to uncover the most affordable times to book flights and maximize your savings on your journey to this remarkable destination.
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, 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)
Cheapest Day of the Week to Fly to Alaska
The cheapest day of the week to fly to Alaska is generally Tuesday or Wednesday. Mid-week flights tend to have lower demand, resulting in reduced ticket prices compared to weekend or Monday travel.
The cheapest time of the day to fly to Alaska is typically during early morning (before 8 AM) or late-night (after 9 PM) flights. These off-peak hours tend to have lower demand, leading to cheaper airfare than mid-day flights, when most travelers prefer to fly.
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 primary carrier with an extensive 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, they charge extra fees, including checked bags, seat selection, and carry-on luggage that exceeds a certain size.
- JetBlue: JetBlue is another primary carrier known for its comfortable seating, inflight entertainment options, and 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: McAir is an Alaskan air carrier that provides scheduled passenger and cargo service to destinations in Western Alaska. It is 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 Southcentral and Southeast Alaska destinations. 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 provide charter flights and other aviation services.
Pros & Cons of Flying to Alaska During the Cheapest Time
Pros:
- Save Money: The most significant advantage of the cheapest time to fly to Alaska is substantial 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, more accessible 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 daily. 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 primary airport (ANC) in Anchorage. Look for smaller airports in your destination city or nearby towns. Smaller airports often have lower landing fees, translating 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.
The cheapest time to fly to Anchorage is also during the off-season, particularly in late September to early November and February to early May. During these times, tourism drops, and airlines often lower prices. Summer months, especially June through August, tend to be the most expensive, as many travelers visit for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
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.
The cheapest time to fly to Fairbanks typically falls during the off-season, which is late fall (October to November) and early spring (March to April). Fewer tourists visit during these colder months, leading to lower flight prices. Summer (June to August) sees higher prices due to the popular midnight sun and outdoor activities, while winter (December to February) can be pricier for those seeking the Northern Lights.
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.
