There are many reasons why you might want to consider traveling to or from Alaska by air. For some, it might be to go to or from work. Maybe you need to send a package of some sort to a friend or family member. Or perhaps you’re on a business trip and want to get there as quickly and cost-efficiently as possible.
Regardless of the reason, flying to or from Alaska offers something special. The main airport, Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC), is actually located in the middle of the city, so it’s easy to access. In fact, with a little planning, it’s possible to get there without ever leaving the airport pavement.
Pilot Flying J, an airline based out of Charlotte, North Carolina, has a large number of flights to or from Anchorage daily. If you’re traveling to or from Alaska, the option to use this airline might be appealing. It’s not unusual for them to offer discounted rates to or from Alaska, so make sure you take advantage of those! You can also check the status of flights and pricing online to see if there are any discounts available.
One of the unique features of the airport is the large number of car rental companies that operate out of there. You might choose to rent a car and avoid the hassle of finding parking places or trying to deal with heavy baggage. This is certainly not a bad idea if you’re flying during the busy seasonal periods. The only downside is that you might get stuck in a rush hour traffic jam.
What To Remember While In Anchorage
With only a few hours of flight time, it’s important to arrive at the airport with enough time to check in and get the flight underway. The most important thing is to remember that the climate in Anchorage is very different from that of the rest of the state. The winters can be exceptionally harsh, and even in the summer, the temperature can be very warm. So, it’s important to bring clothing tailored to the occasion. In the article below, we’ll discuss some of the things you need to remember while in the state.
Check-in Early
It would be wise to check in early for your flight. If you’re at the airport more than an hour before your scheduled departure time, be sure to make up some time in the schedule. Especially if it’s a Sunday or holiday, the lines at the airport might be very long. So, if you can, it’s advisable to arrive early and use the time to get in some last-minute shopping or enjoy some leisure time. You never know when that hour might be needed. After all, the last thing you want to do is be scrambling to make your flight at the last minute.
Carry On Your Pet
Since the temperature in Alaska can get very cold, even the most well-behaved pet might act up during the winter. Whether it’s the frigid air or the long hours of confinement, animals frequently develop behavioral problems. If you’re traveling with your pet, it might be best to leave them at home. There are plenty of luxury hotels that allow pets, and it’s often possible to rent a pet-friendly apartment or house. This will make a difference in how your pet experiences the trip. If you’re concerned about their well-being during transport, you might want to consider bringing them along or leaving them at home. On the other side, leaving pets at home might not always be a practical solution. Who knows, maybe you’ll have the chance to go on vacation and see them roam free in the snow.
Bring Your Source Of Power
Since the winters in Anchorage are so harsh, it might be best to bring along a reliable source of power. Whether you’re in a cold climate or a warm one, it’s always good to be prepared. If you’re not, then you might find yourself in the situation of not having electricity and being unable to heat your home or charge your electronic devices. Not every household is going to have a generator on hand, so it’s advisable to bring one along just in case. And who knows, maybe you’ll have the chance to use it.
Check-in At The Airport
This point might be obvious, yet it’s worth reiterating. It’s very important to check in at the airport. Even if you’re going to another airport after the check-in, it’s a good idea to go through the process all over again. The people at the counter will have your suitcases tagged and ready for you as you come through the gate. You don’t want to be late for your flight because you were checking in at the wrong counter or missed the flight due to running late. The key is to check in early and avoid the crowded counters. If you’re going through security, the process can take a while, so be sure to leave enough time for that.
Getting To The Airport
If you’re driving to the airport, take I-40 east. This will bring you to either the Glenn Hwy or the Parks Highway. The later takes you directly to the airport, and it’s a pleasant drive. Make sure to follow the directions carefully, as you might miss the turnoff if you’re not paying attention. Once you arrive at the airport, park your car and head to the terminal. Check-in early as discussed above and be sure to take your time.
Where To Eat And Stay In Anchorage
If you’re looking for a place to eat before your flight, there are plenty of options. At the very least, you can get a coffee or meal-stub at the airport. There’s also a small supermarket just outside the airport’s gates. You can get everything from milk to salami, so it’s definitely worth a visit. There are also a number of restaurants at the airport itself, as well as a couple more inside the terminal.
When it comes to accommodation, there are a number of luxury hotels in the city. You might want to consider one of these if you’re looking for a place to stay. Whether you’re a business traveler or a vacationer, there’s a hotel ideal for you. In the coming sections, we’ll discuss a few of the city’s best hotels and the luxurious lifestyle they embody.
Best Luxury Hotels In Anchorage
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Anchorage, then it might be best to consider a five-star hotel. These are the best of the best, and if you can pay for five-star service, then it’s certainly worth it. While it’s generally not advisable to judge a book by its cover, for hotels, this adage definitely applies. A good indicator of a good hotel is the staff. If they’re friendly and well-trained, then it’s generally a good sign. Here are some of the best luxury hotels in Anchorage.
Radisson Blu
This year’s World’s Best Awards named the Radisson Blu as the world’s best hotel. And it’s not hard to see why. When you walk in the door, you’ll immediately feel the staff’s warm hospitality. Everything from the décor to the service is designed to make you feel cared for and comfortable. So, if you’re seeking a place to stay in Anchorage, then this might be the ideal choice. The hotel offers a range of spa treatments, including hot stone therapy, on-site. You can also get a massage at the Radisson Blu, which is one of the best spas in the city. Traveling to a spa to get a massage isn’t something everyone has the time for, so the fact that the hotel provides this service is ideal.
The Galleria
The five-star Galleria is located in the heart of the city. This hotel rises five floors from the sidewalk, with an additional six floors extending inward. It’s hard to miss as you pull up in front of the hotel. The sheer size of the hotel almost steals the show. But what makes this hotel so special is the warmth and friendliness of its staff. It wouldn’t be unusual to enter the hotel and find a staff member personally greeting and assisting you with your luggage. This is the mark of a truly excellent hotel.