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Flights to Alaska overview
Going searches for the best fares and sends members deals bookable 1-12 months in advance. Going members save approximately 35% compared to normal flight prices to Alaska.
Cheapest Going deal
Average price roundtrip
Average Going deal price roundtrip
Best month to fly
Going found the most deals with travel dates in May.
Worst month to fly
Going found the least deals with travel dates in July.
When is the best time to go to Alaska?
Best month to visit Alaska
July (and summer months in general) stands out as the best time to visit Alaska. With temperatures ranging from 50–70°F, it is ideal for outdoor activities. This month brings endless daylight thanks to the midnight sun, perfect for maximizing exploration. Wildlife sightings are at their peak, with bears, moose, and whales in abundance.
However, July also brings higher costs due to increased demand, so early planning is key to securing accommodations and excursions.
What is the best season in Alaska?
The summer months (June–August) are great to enjoy longer days, warm weather, and access to Alaska’s famous outdoor activities. Whether you’re kayaking near glaciers, hiking in Denali, or enjoying a scenic train ride, summer offers the widest range of experiences.
Winter, on the other hand, has a magic of its own. For those seeking fewer crowds, these months offer activities like Northern Lights viewing, winter festivals, and snow sports.
When is the peak season?
Peak season in Alaska spans June through August, attracting visitors with favorable weather and stunning landscapes. Tourists flock to fish for salmon and halibut, camp in stunning national parks like Denali, hike scenic trails, and enjoy wildlife spotting. During this time, festivals, cruises, and guided adventures are in full swing.
Special seasons and activities to enjoy
Cruise season
From May to September, Alaska’s cruise season allows visitors to explore its stunning coastline, including the Inside Passage, Glacier Bay, and coastal towns like Ketchikan and Juneau. Cruising is an excellent way to see Alaska’s marine wildlife, including humpback whales, orcas, and sea otters, as well as its iconic glaciers.
Shoulder season
During May and September, you can find lower prices on flights and accommodations and a quieter, more intimate Alaskan experience. In May, Alaska transitions from winter to summer, with snow melting, wildlife re-emerging, and wildflowers beginning to bloom. This is also the start of the fishing and cruise seasons. September, on the other hand, offers the vibrant hues of fall foliage, a calmer vibe after peak summer, and the early Northern Lights.
Aurora season
The Northern Lights shine brightest from September to March, with Fairbanks and the Arctic Circle offering prime viewing locations. Winter months feature long, dark nights perfect for catching the auroras, creating unforgettable moments for stargazers.
Wildlife viewing
Summer is Alaska’s wildlife peak, with bears fishing for salmon, whales breaching along the coast, and migratory birds arriving in droves. Guided tours, whether on land or sea, ensure unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Fishing
Alaska is a fishing paradise, with salmon runs peaking in June and July, while halibut fishing shines in May and June. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, fishing charters offer immersive experiences.
Hiking and outdoor adventures
Hiking, kayaking, and glacier trekking dominate summer activities, but there’s something for every season. Winter invites cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, while fall’s quieter trails are perfect for peaceful exploration.
How to visit Alaska on a budget
Alaska is a dream destination for nature lovers, with its beautiful glaciers, wildlife, and landscapes. While this destination has a reputation for being expensive, careful planning and a few smart strategies make a budget-friendly vacation entirely possible.
One of the best ways to save money is to travel during the shoulder seasons—late April to early June and September—when flights and accommodations are significantly cheaper than in peak summer. Additionally, consider joining Going to find the best flight deals to Alaska. Our Premium and Elite members receive real-time alerts on price drops and mistake fares (up to 90% off).
When it comes to cheap excursions in Alaska, there are plenty of free adventures—hiking scenic trails, wildlife viewing, and even spotting the Northern Lights in Fairbanks during the winter months. You can also opt for the Alaska Ferry System instead of an expensive cruise and consider self-guided tours in places like the Kenai Fjords and Denali.
Looking for cheap flights to Alaska? Sign up for Going’s deal alerts and start saving!
Alaska by season: what to expect year-round
| Season | Average temperature | Daylight hours | Top activities |
| Summer (June–August) | 50–70°F (10–21°C) | 18–24 hours | Hiking, wildlife viewing, cruises, festivals |
| Fall (September–November) | 30–60°F (-1–15°C) | 8–14 hours | Aurora viewing, fall foliage, budget-friendly travel |
| Winter (December–February) | -20–30°F (-29 to -1°C) | 4–7 hours | Northern Lights, dog sledding, winter sports |
| Spring (March–May) | 25-50°F (-4–10°C) | 12–18 hours | Wildlife viewing, spring skiing, discounted travel |
Alaska in the summer: the top choice
What to consider
Summer is Alaska’s busiest and warmest season, with temperatures ranging from 50–70 °F and up to 24 hours of daylight in some areas. This is peak tourist season, meaning higher prices and crowded attractions.
Special things to do
- Get in touch with nature. Spot moose, migrating whales, and bears fishing for salmon.
- Explore Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords, or the Tongass Rainforest.
- Summer is the best time for Alaskan cruises through the Inside Passage.
- Events like the Midnight Sun Festival in Fairbanks offer unique local experiences.
How to avoid excessive spending
The peak season means higher costs, so book flights and hotels at least six months in advance. Consider camping, hostels, or BnBs instead of expensive lodges. Cooking your own meals and visiting less touristy areas, like Wrangell–St. Elias National Park, can also help reduce costs.
Alaska in the fall (September to November)
What to consider
Fall is a transition period, bringing cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. By late September, Northern Lights become visible and national parks take on stunning autumn colors. However, take into account that many summer attractions close by mid-October.
Special things to do
- September marks the beginning of the Northern Lights season.
- Denali and the Chugach Mountains offer hikes for all difficulties with spectacular autumn views.
- Watch the bears and moose before winter sets in.
How to avoid excessive spending
Travel costs drop after summer, making it easier to find discounted accommodations. Many tours offer end-of-season discounts in September. Opt for rental cars over expensive excursions, and bundle activities for better deals.
Winter in Alaska (December to February)
What to consider
Winter in Alaska is cold, with temperatures ranging from -20°F to 30°F and limited daylight (as little as four hours in December). However, it’s the best time for the Northern Lights, winter sports, and avoiding crowds.
Special things to do
- Fairbanks and Anchorage offer top viewing locations for the Northern Lights.
- Skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, and ice fishing are popular during winter.
- The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race happens in early March.
How to avoid excessive spending
Flights and hotels are at their lowest prices during winter. During this time, you can find bundled winter activity packages and rent gear (gloves, jackets, snow pants, and boots) instead of buying. Traveling midweek and staying in larger cities like Anchorage can further cut costs.
Spring in Alaska (March to May)
What to consider
Spring sees rising temperatures and longer daylight hours (12–18 hours by May). Snow is still present in early March, but by late April, rivers begin to thaw, and wildlife becomes more active.
Special things to do
- Bears emerge from hibernation in the spring, and whales begin migrating north.
- March is great for late-season skiing and other snow activities in Girdwood.
- By May, more trails and roads at Denali National Park will be accessible.
How to avoid excessive spending
Shoulder season discounts apply to flights, hotels, and tours. Early booking can secure low cruise fares before summer pricing sets in. Exploring the parks by rental car instead of guided tours can help stretch your budget even further.
Cheapest time to visit Alaska
Is Alaska expensive to visit?
Alaska can be expensive due to its high transportation costs and limited accommodation options in peak season. During summer, you can expect higher prices for food, hotels, and excursions. However, visiting in the off-season, booking flights early, and opting for budget-friendly lodging like hostels or camping can significantly reduce costs. Cruises and all-inclusive packages sometimes offer better value compared to booking everything separately.
What month is the cheapest to fly to Alaska?
The cheapest months to fly to Alaska are typically January, February, and early March, when demand is at its lowest. Flights also drop in price around late September to mid-November after the summer rush. Being flexible with travel dates can help you find lower fares. Signing up for Going’s flight alerts ensures you get notified about cheap flights to Alaska.
How far in advance should I book Alaska?
For peak summer travel (June–August), book flights 3–6 months in advance to secure the best rates. If traveling during the shoulder or off-season, you can often find good deals 1–3 months ahead. Cruises and lodges in national parks fill up quickly, so early reservations are key.
How to save on flight and hotel
Finding budget-friendly flights to Alaska requires strategy. One of the best ways to stay ahead of deals is by using Going’s alerts, which notify you when prices drop. Flexibility with travel dates, booking in the Goldilocks Window (1–3 months before domestic travel), and considering alternative airports can also help cut costs. For a complete breakdown of the best booking tactics, check out how to find cheap flights and maximize your savings with Going’s expert insights.
For accommodations, consider staying outside major cities (for example, Anchorage or Fairbanks) and opt for small towns like Sitka or Kenai, where prices tend to be lower. Stay at Airbnbs, hostels, or campings to significantly cut lodging costs and make your Alaskan adventure both memorable and budget-friendly.
Recent deals to Alaska
Round-trip deals
Round-trip flights to Alaska often bring the best deals, especially when booked during sales or promotions. Recent Going deals include:
- Fort Lauderdale to Juneau for $360 roundtrip
- El Paso to Anchorage for $346 roundtrip
- Omaha to Fairbanks for $360 roundtrip
Last-minute deals
Believe it or not, we have found some pretty sweet last-minute deals for those ready to pack and go explore the Alaskan wild:
- Pittsburgh to Anchorage for $424 roundtrip
- Tampa to Anchorage for $434 roundtrip
- Kansas City to Anchorage for $378 roundtrip
Direct deals
Here are some recent direct flight deals to Alaska we’ve sent our Going members:
- Chicago to Anchorage for $319 roundtrip
- Seattle to Anchorage for $177 roundtrip
- Las Vegas to Anchorage for $325 roundtrip
How to find the best deals
Flexible travel dates and destinations can also make a huge difference in price. Consider traveling midweek, which is often cheaper than weekends, and always compare fares across multiple airlines to get the best value.
However, the best way to find cheap flights to Alaska is to set up fare alerts with platforms like Going. Our Premium members receive personalized alerts notifying them of price drops or mistake fares from their home airport to domestic and international destinations.
Sign up, choose your home airport, and receive the best flight deal alerts.
Frequently asked questions about flying to Alaska
When is the high season in Alaska?
High season in Alaska is from June–August when the weather is warmest, days are longest, and kids are out of school, so families have time to take longer vacations. The most popular cruise season is a bit longer, from May–September.
When is the best time to visit Alaska?
The best time to visit Alaska is between early May and mid-September. This coincides with high season, and for good reason. You’ll have 16-24 hours of daylight and temperatures in the 60s-low 70s. You’ll also see the most wildlife during this time, and park roads that close during winter due to snow will be open.
How many airports are there in Alaska?
There are a lot of airports in Alaska. If you count heliports, seaplane bases, private landing areas, and public airports, the number is in the hundreds. But there are three primary points of entry. The Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) is the largest and busiest airport in the state. Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) is also busy and operates flights from the rest of the US and internationally. Juneau International Airport (JNU) is the third largest and has flights from around the US.
Which city in Alaska is the easiest to get to?
Because Anchorage has the largest and busiest airport, it’s the easiest to reach for most travelers coming from around the US or abroad. But depending on where you live, Fairbanks and Juneau can also be easy to reach nonstop or with one connection. Visitors from Seattle can also fly directly to Ketchikan International Airport (KTN) and Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport (SIT).
What are the rules for traveling with pets to Alaska?
Visitors hoping to bring their dog or cat to Alaska should make sure their pets have a current rabies vaccination and a certificate of veterinary inspection. Note that Alaska has certain rules about which form your vet can use. The USDA form, for example, is not allowed because it does not have a trackable identification number. If your pet has an infectious disease, it cannot travel to the state.
How long is the flight to Alaska?
Alaska is a large state, so the flight time really depends on where in Alaska you’re going and where you’re coming from. Flights from Seattle, the closest major US city, take 2.5 hours to Juneau, 3.5 hours to Anchorage, and about 4 hours to Fairbanks.
Flights from LA to Anchorage are 5.5 hours, while other cities in Alaska require a connection, so flight times can vary. From Texas, the average flight time is 6-8 hours depending on where in Texas you’re departing from and where in Alaska you’re flying. That’s about the same for flights from Chicago, Minneapolis or Detroit. From the East Coast, whether it’s New York or Miami, flights range from 9 to 11 hours.
How many days in Alaska are enough?
A minimum of 5–7 days is recommended to experience Alaska’s highlights, including national parks, glaciers, and wildlife. If you're on a short trip, prioritize Anchorage, Denali, or a glacier cruise for a well-rounded experience.
Is Alaska expensive to visit?
Alaska is generally expensive due to its remote location, high transportation costs, and limited accommodation options. Flights, food, and tours can add up, especially in summer. However, visiting in the shoulder seasons (May and September), booking flights early, and choosing budget-friendly lodging like Airbnb's or campgrounds can help reduce costs.
Do you need a passport to go to Alaska?
Travelers from the US do not need to bring a passport, but a REAL ID or valid government-issued ID is needed for flights. However, if traveling through Canada by land or cruise, a passport is required. Other international travelers must carry a passport and may need a visa, depending on their country of origin.
Is it worth taking a trip to Alaska?
Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and unique outdoor experiences make it a bucket-list destination. Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights, hiking in Denali, cruising past glaciers, or spotting grizzly bears, Alaska offers unforgettable adventures year-round.
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* Prices are per person and include all taxes & fees in USD. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing, however, prices are not guaranteed, as airline pricing can change by the minute. Average Going fares are based on average prices of deals found by Going.