What Are the Nonstop Flights to Alaska?

Anchorage has the most nonstop flight options, with year-round and seasonal service to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport from more than 15 cities across the United States. You can also fly nonstop to Fairbanks from several cities, and you’ll find nonstop flights to Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka from Seattle.

JUMP TO: Year-Round Non-Stop Flights | Seasonal (May - Sep) Non-Stop Flights | Trip Ideas

Where Will I Land When I Fly to Alaska?

You’ll probably land in Anchorage or Fairbanks. Many large carriers fly to Anchorage, with flight connections throughout the United States and the world. As Alaska's largest city, Anchorage is also the main travel hub, with connections to every other large town and many of the state’s 240 small rural airports.

Once you land in Anchorage, spend some time exploring this world-class city’s restaurants and attractions. When it’s time to explore beyond city limits, catch a train or bus, rent a car or motorhome, or take a tour. Or catch a flight on a smaller plane from Lake Hood, the world's busiest seaplane base, or Merrill Field.

You’ll also find direct flights from the lower 48 to Fairbanks, Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan. Fairbanks is a travel hub for Interior and northern Alaska and the Yukon River Valley, while Juneau offers flights and seaplane connections to towns throughout Southeast Alaska.

Year-Round Non-Stop Flights to Alaska

Summer Only Non-Stop Flights to Alaska

Generally, late May / early June - September

Tips For Finding the Best Flights to Alaska

• Book early. Start checking for airline tickets a season or two in advance for the best selection and prices. West Coast departures tend to be less expensive than those from the Midwest or East Coast due to shorter distances. Best prices are often found traveling from cities serviced by Alaska Airlines, as competition generates bargains.
• Try Alaska Airlines first. Most Alaskans check Alaska Airlines first because it offers the greatest number of flights throughout the entire year. It also partners with smaller carriers to help make connections between Anchorage and smaller communities.
• Understand codeshare flights. For the larger carriers (mostly American, United, and US Air), some flights are operated as "codeshare," so although you booked a seat through one of these airlines, you'll often be traveling on an Alaska Airlines plane.
• Look for nonstop flights. Nonstops are popular, so it may be harder to get cheaper fares or redeem frequent-flier miles for them, but certain markets like Denver, Chicago, and San Francisco are competitive right now, offering more choices and better fares. Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, and Las Vegas also regularly feature good fares and connections.
• Check the September sale. Every October, Alaska residents receive a dividend from the state's oil-revenue-driven savings account. As a result, Alaska Airlines and other carriers typically hold a fare sale beginning in late September, sometimes offering extraordinary discounts on travel in and out of the state. Many Alaskans buy all their airline tickets for the year during this sale. While the bargain fares are oriented toward round trips that originate in Alaska, deals can be found for tickets from outside the state. The fall sale often includes great bargains for flights between Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau to and from outlying communities. Air travel inside Alaska can be as expensive and time-consuming as getting to the state in the first place.
• Consider Pacific Northwest connections. A large percentage of one-stop and two-stop flights make a stopover in Seattle or Portland, the two closest U.S. cities. Flights originating there are often much less expensive than flights from almost anywhere else, and there are multiple flights each day.
• Travel prepared. The five-to-six-hour duration of a typical nonstop flight to Alaska is moderately long. Bring snacks and travel pillows to make yourself more comfortable.
• Remember the time change. Alaska is four hours ahead of Eastern Time and an hour ahead of Pacific Time.
• Utilize regional hubs to access more remote areas of Alaska. In particular, the Anchorage works best as the regional center for travel throughout the southern half of the state, especially for communities and outposts in western Alaska, the Aleutian Chain and the Gulf of Alaska. Many smaller airlines and air taxi services operate from the world’s busiest seaplane base at Lake Hood and the city-managed Merrill Field. But keep in mind that Alaska has two other major gateway airports: Fairbanks and Juneau. Each function as a more direct travel hub inside their respective regions, often with better connections and more destinations within those areas. Fairbanks provides flights to communities in Interior and northern Alaska, and the Yukon River Valley. Juneau offers flights and seaplane connections to towns and outposts scattered throughout the archipelago of Southeast Alaska.

Start Planning Your Alaska Trip!

Ready to start planning? Check out our trip ideas sample itineraries to start building your Alaska vacation!

Prefer to book a package? Here are some driving vacations, tours by rail, small-group eco-tours, large group tours by train or bus, and small ship cruises, private yacht charters, and wilderness lodges that offer all-inclusive stays.

Or contact us, and we'll help you put together a custom itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which airline has the most flights to Alaska? Alaska Airlines offers the most flights to Alaska throughout the year and partners with smaller carriers to make connections between Anchorage and smaller communities. Most Alaskans check Alaska Airlines first when booking flights.
2. What are the main airports in Alaska? The three main gateway airports are Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (Alaska’s largest), Fairbanks International Airport, and Juneau International Airport. Anchorage handles five million passengers annually and serves as the state’s primary travel hub. Smaller airports with direct flights from the lower 48 include Ketchikan and Sitka.
3. When is the cheapest time to fly to Alaska? Shoulder seasons (May and September) and winter months generally offer lower fares than peak summer. The exceptions are holiday periods like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Alaskan spring break in mid-March, when prices spike due to demand.
4. How long is a nonstop flight to Alaska? Most nonstop flights to Anchorage from the lower 48 range from 3.5 to 8 hours depending on your departure city. West Coast flights (Seattle, Portland, San Francisco) take 3.5 to 5 hours, while East Coast flights (New York, Boston) take 7 to 8 hours. Midwest flights (Chicago, Minneapolis, Denver) typically take 5 to 7 hours.
5. Can I fly directly to Southeast Alaska? Yes, you can fly nonstop to Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka from Seattle. Alaska Airlines and Delta offer seasonal and year-round service to these Southeast Alaska cities, though Anchorage has far more nonstop options from around the country.
6. What’s new for Alaska flights in 2026? For summer 2026, Alaska Airlines is adding nonstop routes from Anchorage to Boston, Boise, and Spokane. Southwest Airlines is entering the Alaska market for the first time with year-round service from Denver and Las Vegas to Anchorage starting in May 2026. The increased competition should help lower fares.