Its going to be cold at times on your Alaska adventure so you will want a heavy jacket. These are a few towns to consider making your base for adventure. Think lightweight and breathable. 2. Updated: Friday, December 3, 2021 10:00 a.m. AST. There is a screening process at the airport, but its not as stringent as passport control after an international flight. Or rent a vacation home, which can make a relaxing base for local hikes and road trips. When we travel we each check a bag and we each carry on a bag. The Star stops in Wasilla, Talkeetna and Denali National Park, and provides views of Denali, North America's highest peak. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Alaska Standard Time, Monday . COVID test is not required when arriving in the US. Jeans really have no place in the wilderness, hiking, fishing, etc. REI Is Up to 50% Off for the Fourth of July - Travel + Leisure 10. Hot Tip: If you forget something, dont panic! We also recommend bringing along a quart water bottle, too. 5. Our employees are empowered to show up as their full, best selvesand thanks to their remarkable care, we're proud to announce that we've been ranked the #1 airline on Forbes . Take an optional second test between 5 and 14 days after arrival. You will be able to find items in Alaska at outdoor clothing shops. Noppawat Charoensinphon/Moment/Getty Images. Alaskan Dream Cruises, for example, charters its 10-passenger Misty Fjord and 12-passenger Kruzof Explorer for trips in Southeast Alaska with customized itineraries. Given the remote location of our state and the limited access that many rural communities have to healthcare facilities, we ask that you are diligent and follow all federal, state, and business COVID-19 travel protocols to keep you and our communities safe. Then flying standby might be for you. Hot Tip: If you plan to go wildlife viewing you do not want to wear bright colors; stick to browns, blacks, and greens. Note that cities with only 1 flight per day have neither standby nor same-day flight changes available. 4. Alaska No Longer Requires a Negative COVID-19 Test for Entry - Travel There are four distinct seasons in all regions, but actual temperatures and . Keep scrolling for more shopper-loved gear to shop during REI's Fourth of July Sale while prices are heavily discounted through July 4. This is the perfect insulating layer for cold weather activities. For the latest on Alaskas travel recommendations, visit covid19.alaska.gov/travelers. Each activity adds another element that you need to prepare for. The normal cost is $2.00 to wash and $2.00 to dry. We found ourselves using a variety of bags during our trip. The memories we create for our guests arent typical every experience is unique, personal and unforgettable. Top hiking pants we used while in Alaska were the Mens Columbia Silver ridge pant. Guest Pass (GP) standby travelers must be checked in and available to board at the designated boarding gate at least 40 minutes before posted departure for all flights. Code 8-15.105 The outer layer shields you from wind and rain. The Alaska Railroad runs 470 miles between Fairbanks and Seward along the Gulf of Alaska. Most of Alaskas pandemic travel guidance for visitors has included suggestions not requirements since February, when the states COVID-19 emergency expired. A basic ball cap to keep off the sun. Is Spring the Best Time to Cruise Alaska? But in our post 9/11 world, its no longer possible to travel without holding a pre-purchased ticket. You need to be prepared for all types of weather, as the weather in Alaska can change at the drop of a hat. The layering concept is simple and it allows you to make quick adjustments based on the weather and your activity level. Pursuit is a collection of inspiring and unforgettable experiences in iconic places including Alaska, Montana, the Canadian Rockies, Vancouver, Reykjavk, Las Vegas and Toronto (opening in 2024). I also love my Neatpack Hanging Toiletry Bag because it keeps all of my toiletries together and if the shampoo breaks it is contained. It offers warm, lightweight, quick-drying performance, with a high collar that adds an extra measure of protection against the chill. Some ferries cover long distances it's about a 38-hour trip from Bellingham to Ketchikan while others are shuttles that link neighboring communities. Find answers to 'Hello. The UV rays can be bad in Alaska, not many people think about that. But in our post 9/11 world, it's no longer possible to travel without holding a pre-purchased ticket. What "Flying Standby" Now Means & How to Do It - ShermansTravel The weather variations will suck your batteries dry. All U.S. international travel restrictions apply to travel to Alaska. RVs need specialized spaces so you need to make sure to reserve your space on the ferry well in advance. US citizens are allowed to cross the border if they have been fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to entry and can provide proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test result taken with 72 hours of travel. 6 things you need to know about Alaska's new travel rules Word of advice from us, pack jeans sparingly. Make sure it is something that is packable and something that is waterproof. Highway pullouts, shoulders, and other areas off the road are prime spots for getting some sleep and prepping for the next days travel. They offer great deals on all of the name brand camping items that you will need for Alaska (plus they offer a 1-year guarantee return for any reason- policy!). Every airline has its own policies and fees. She sees travel as an adventure, trying to somehow get inside and experience a different way of life, a different cultural heritage. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this sites author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. As of May 1, 2021, change and cancellation fees have been permanently eliminated on main and first class fares. Unvaccinated travelers are still encouraged to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken with 72 hours of departure to prevent coronavirus spread, according to the updated advisory. Earn or sign up for elite status: Do you have elite status with an airline? To be a standby passenger, you must have a ticket confirmation. Alaska's 401 (k) plans lead best practices to help employees retire in financial security. Buying a ticket at the last minute can be very expensive! In the end, the more prepared you are for a trip to Alaska, the more fun you will have. - Does anyone know which would have higher priority for clearing between a Same Day Standby change to earlier flight on a G fare or using an Employee guest pass for standby? By continuing to browse our site you are agreeing to our, Denali Backcountry Adventure (closed in 2023), Book Online and Save on Kenai Fjords Tours. Keep your feet dry and change your socks often. Nonresidents who arrive without having tested in advance can still test at the airport but now it will cost them $250. Standby passengers who are not accommodated on their desired flight should check with a gate agent so they can activate you on the standby list for the next available Alaska Airlines or Horizon Air flight. We typically carry 2-3 different patterns (each!) Reach her at lruskin@alaskapublic.org. Alaska's entrance into Oneworld meant more ways to earn and redeem miles, reciprocal elite benefits including access to the alliance's more than 650 lounges globally for those who are eligible and more. Basic Economy fares are not eligible for standby or same-day changes. We allow same-day confirmed changes on select flights for a fee, with some exceptions. Ultimate Guide to Visiting Chena Hot Springs, 11 Reasons to Take an Alaska Inside Passage Cruise with UnCruise, Days per year with Precipitation: 103 Days. In the meantime, please feel free As for capacity, there is always a chance the confirmed is not available, and you need to standby. If you go to the trouble of flying standby, here are the steps to follow to improve your chances of success. in our bags when we travel. Once you have used the code, you can change your reservations as many times as you like within 90 days. Possibilities include: Join today and save 25% off the standard annual rate. The three COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the U.S. are highly, but not 100%, effective at preventing transmission or illness from the coronavirus. In fact, especially for buddy pass travelers, you represent an airline and are expected to dress in business or business casual attire, and to be particularly courteous and polite to the gate agent and airline employees. The best shorts we used for our time in Alaska were the Duluth Trading Dry on the Fly Shorts. There are a few more things to note: As far as driving, we recommend the Alaskan Highway, which begins in British Columbia, Canada. Sanitizer stations are available to air travelers walking through Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020. Alaska is known for its 80 days of uninterrupted daylight. We inspire travelers and each other. The exact look has varied over time and from airport to airport. This will give you maximum comfort. Hot Tip: Cotton material is not recommended for any Alaska outdoor activity as the fabric does not easily dry and once wet has no insulation. We have put together a shortlist of what camera gear you should pack when traveling to Alaska. The CDC said earlier this month that fully vaccinated people dont need to test or quarantine when they travel as long as they continue to take COVID-19 precautions while traveling wearing a mask, avoiding crowds, socially distancing, and washing hands frequently.. HOT TIP: Visit Alaska in the Spring!! They result from a mandate Gov. For now,you can only drive roughly 300 miles to theCanadian border, which remains closed until at least May 21 because of COVID-19. Get instant access to discounts, programs, services, and the information you need to benefit every area of your life. On Monday, the states health advisories for interstate and intrastate travel were updated to reflect the change for vaccinated travelers, which officials say are aligned with the latest guidance from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as our own look at travel in and around the state of Alaska, state emergency manager Bryan Fisher said during a call with reporters Thursday. Alaska Airlines benefits and perks, including insurance benefits, retirement benefits, and vacation policy. Above & Beyond Alaska's new three-day, Juneau-based Glacier, Bears, and Whales Adventure Package combines individual tours that cruise passengers might have previously booked as shore excursions. In the early mornings, it can be cool out. We used every single bag we brought to Alaska. What should I wear? It should be made of coated nylon, with factory-sealed seams. When I book award tickets for amazing destinations, I always leave that part to Juicy Miles! 5 Award Sweet Spots Using Alaska Airlines Miles - NerdWallet A plan to offer COVID-19 vaccines to tourists at four of Alaskas major airports beginning in June is also on track, health officials said this week. As weve already mentioned, you are going to want to pack a variety of shirts when packing for Alaska. Shelli Stein is a travel writer, personal development coach, and story teller. Optional COVID-19 testing at most of the states airports will continue through the summer, and will be free for both residents and nonresidents and even for travelers who are vaccinated but want to be extra cautious, Fisher said. 1. The Richardson Highway, which winds through Thompson Pass, is one of America's most scenic roads, offering views of glaciers, lakes and waterfalls. If you're visiting when the salmon return at the end of June or beginning of July, you may spot sea otters, seals, sea lions or bears enjoying a fishy meal. Also, if you make it up to Fairbanks, dont miss out on a visit to the Chena Hot Springs for a therapeutic soak. From there, the passengers could go on to the COVID testing area. Holland America Line and Princess Cruises are offering guided land tours, which are a bit like shore excursions without a cruise. Heres the travel advisor I use to get the best deals, lowest prices, and personalized service. If you look anywhere on this site or any of our social media accounts where we share photos, you will see photos of us wearing and using these products daily. Call it luck or call it perfect. They are made for both men and women which is great, and are lightweight, breathable and insulate even when wet. Plan a perfect trip with Alaska experts! Liz Ruskin is the Washington, D.C., correspondent for Alaska Public Media. One of the most beneficial steps you can take is starting a dialog with someone who has taken the trip before. Otherwise, careful planning and gas rationing can help you get between gas stations and destinations. Delta is expanding summer service to Alaska, with daily flights from Salt Lake City to Anchorage, starting on May 5, and weekend service from Detroit, Los Angeles and New York/JFK. Many people wonder if it is free to fly standby. We want you to get those amazing shots and you need to have the right gear to do that. This is nice to throw over that lightweight sweater. If you will be up to some very extreme hikes with the possibility of hiking through water, check out these Water Proof Socks. Travel Tips - Alaska Airlines Maybe she canshow you somethingyouve never seen. Fed by nearly 40 glaciers flowing from the Harding Icefield, the Kenai Fjords National Park tops the list of most Alaskan . There are several occasions when you could fly standby. Alaska has different reliable RV rentals depending on your starting point. Be open to change: flexibility is the name of the game. Even some cruise lines and tour operators are adapting to the ban. RELATED: Border Woes: When Canada says no. This is more reliable in that the airline guarantees a flight for you later in the day. You can also manage your communication preferences by updating your account at anytime. Plastic ponchos or vinyl rain suits tear easily and are not recommended. Customers can stand by for a flight at no charge. Alaska faces an additional problem: Canada has extended its cruise ship ban until February 2022, which prevents ships with 100 or more passengers from cruising to the state through Canadian waters (and all non-U.S.-registered vessels are required to stop in Canada, due to an old U.S. maritime law). I took a day cruise from Seward, and roughly a quarter of the passengers were seasick, though the sights are worth a queasy stomach. Alaska Airlines | Mileage Plan - SD Standby vs Guest Pass, which clears first? Comfortable, lightweight and water repellent materials are best suited for the terrain youll experience on your visit to Alaska. Plan to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to departure when requesting accessible services and let us know about your requirements at each point of contact. The ferry route starts in Bellingham, Washington, covers 3,500 miles of coastline and accesses 35 communities before ending in Dutch Harbor, in the Aleutian Islands, on the state's far southwestern tip. Come along for an road trip adventure you'll never forget. Editor's note: This article was originally published on April 20, 2021. Airport testing is still free for Alaska residents. All clothing you pack for traveling to Alaska should be interchangeable. You should also think about a retainer strap since you do not want your sunglasses slipping off your head and ending up in the water. AARP Membership-Join AARP for just $12 for your first year when you enroll in automatic renewal, Don't leave home without these must-have apps, Coronavirus and travel: What you should know. The base layer (anything against your skin) manages moisture. At all times, within hearing of confirmed passengers, GP passengers should refrain from mentioning that they are traveling on a special fare or other privileged discount. All rights reserved. AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that empowers people to choose how they live as they age. Rules: The flight must be in the original ticketed fare class, or you'll need to pay a fare difference. Standby Policy List: Delta, Southwest, JetBlue & More - ShermansTravel Even Ice Road Truckers Don't Want to Travel Dalton Highway, Ten Free Things to Do In and Around Anchorage, State Regulations Regarding Travel Trailers and Driving Laws, Why You Should Join the Good Sam Club Before Your Next RV Adventure. Keep the bugs off without ruining your visibility. You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. I have always been an outdoorsman so becoming an adventure traveler was just the next natural step. What to know about Alaska's updated COVID-19 travel advisories Actually the cost is NOT minimal. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. For example, a traveler might buy a ticket ahead of time, but prefer to take an earlier or later flight. Walk-up appointments are also available. Get one that you can also use as a light jacket. Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Her areas of expertise are: all thingsSouthwest Airlines,hotel reviews, and what to do, see, and eat in destinations around the world. Layering your clothing is the only way to maximize your comfort in the outdoors of Alaska. Check out these Alaska Airlines sweet. Please visit theUS Department of Homeland Security FAQ pagefor more information. Trips - Alaska Airlines Follow these steps to fly standby on Alaska Airlines: Same day standby may be requested during check-in. Wool socks and synthetic liners provide extra comfort and warmth. That said, we lived in our Merino wool socks. Please remember the employee who has extended you the courtesy of a Guest Pass is accepting responsibility for your actions both on the ground and in the air even though he/she is not traveling with you. Saver fare includes many travel benefits of Main cabin, with some restrictions. Monthly travel tips, highlights, and savings! Please visit theU.S. Department of State travel websiteto learn more. Alaska Department of Health and Social Service's COVID-19 Hotline. Must be at gate 30 minutes prior to takeoff. Use RV forums to find someone to correspond with for insider tips on this trip. They are nice for not just rain but early in the morning if you are bear viewing the grass will be wet from the dew. You can count on long hours of daylight if youre visiting in Spring, Summer, and Fall. This unique award chart opens up some incredible locations you can travel to. I enjoy scuba diving and cars. A trial run of an airport vaccine clinic held at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport last week went well, said Heidi Hedberg, director of the Alaska Division of Public Health. <div id="no_javascript"> <p> The trips experience requires JavaScript, but your browser appears to have JavaScript disabled. Helpful. From Fairbanks, the nearly 1,400-mile Alaska Highway built largely by the U.S. Army as a supply route in World War II will take you through the Yukon Territory into British Columbia. Some local communities may still have their own travel restrictions in place, and travelers are still encouraged to check local mandates and ordinances when planning their trip. Just kidding. Only experienced RVers should tackle driving or towing through Alaska, especially if youre going to try and tackle some of the most remote locations. The Ultimate Guide to US Airlines' Same-Day Change Policies Email: covidinfo@alaskatia.org. These apps allow you to program a same-day flight change and receive periodic updates on the process. You will probably be wearing this more often than you think in Alaska. Mike Dunleavy announced late last month, as COVID-19 cases were on. Hot Tip: You can find laundry mats in most cities. But theyre not quite as tough as what they sounded like when the governor announced them July 28. Truth be told, we lived in our vests in Alaska. Starting November 29, travel is restricted fromBotswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwefor non-U.S. Citizens due to concerns over the new Omicron variant. RV season in the state runs from June to August, so you have a short window to enjoy the trip. Next is the insulating layer that protects you from the cold. In other cases, same-day standby ticket fees are waived for first class or business class passengers. Aurora Borealis glowing green and pink over a luxury camping tent in Alaska. FLSA: Travel Time; AK Statutes 23.10.095; AK Admin. Our dedicated accessible services line is also available at 1-800-503-0101 (dial 711 for relay services). This fee is waived for military personnel, first-class, business class and AAdvantage Elite members. Standby availability on a flight means that there are seats on a plane that havent been filled by the travel demands of that flight. You will not get shots like this without a good tripod and a sharp telephoto lens. On April 2, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new requirements for cruise lines, though it presented no timelines for restarting the industry. They result from a mandate Gov. Bugs can be bad in Alaska, so be prepared with a head net that you can throw on over your hat. Rubber boots are a must if you are doing any wildlife viewing on a boat because you will shore dock. Standby Information Confirmed passengers have priority over standby passengers. Alaska Hours Worked Laws - ELH / HR4Sight - Employment Law Handbook You want your hands to stay warm and thats hard to do in the Alaskan environment. Same-day travel - Plan travel - American Airlines We pack everything we need before we leave home because when we arrive somewhere, the last thing we want to do is shop.