According to Federal Aviation Administration statistics, 82% of Alaska’s communities are only accessible via aircraft. As a result, the state has a network of nearly 400 land and seaplane ports, which means many visitors to the state will, at some point, take a small plane for either transportation or flightseeing.
Here are a few pointers for travel advisors looking to help clients make the most of their high-flying Alaska adventure.
Flightseeing Safety and Recommended Alaska Air Tour Operators
When faced with new or unfamiliar flightseeing tours, wise advisors will want to do their research ahead of time. Working with an experienced operator with a long track record gives everyone more confidence in the operation, which translates into a more enjoyable time had by all.
Some of the operators I have used in the past — and can heartily recommend — include 40-Mile Air in Tok, Yakutat Coastal Airlines in Yakutat, Alaska Wilderness Outfitting in Cordova, Chena Marina Air in Fairbanks, VS Helicopters in Valdez, K2 Aviation in Talkeetna, Sea Hawk Air in Kodiak, Alaska West Air in Kenai and Bettles Air Service in Bettles.
Be sure to let clients know that they can always postpone or cancel a tour if they feel uncomfortable with any aspect of the flight. Also, advise them not to push pilots to fly in dangerous conditions just to stick to pre-made plans. Accidents often happen because visitors pressure pilots to fly back to a lodge, whether they are trying to catch a flight home or simply return in time for happy hour.
Be sure to let clients know that they can always postpone or cancel a tour if they feel uncomfortable with any aspect of the flight.
Where to Take an Alaska Air Tour
If travelers have special circumstances, advisors should be sure to contact the air charter for details before the start of the season — requests made mid-season are often not acknowledged in a timely manner by busy operators.
It might help clients who are especially nervous about flying to learn more about the safety record of the company — or, in some cases, a ground- or boat-based tour might simply be a better option.
Travelers can also save the flightseeing tour for locations that are sure to please. Some of my favorite tours include: The Valley of 10,000 Smokes in Katmai National Park; a twin-engine charter around Denali; glacier landings via helicopter out of Valdez; Alaska’s Lost Coast between Cordova and Yakutat; and Arrigetch Peak flightseeing out of Bettles.
For the vast majority of travelers, a flightseeing tour — or a fly-in remote lodge — will be one of the highlights of their Alaska adventure. And it’s also part of everyday life in The Great Land. Advisors should not shy away from helping clients experience the state’s stunning vistas from the air.
