Archive for January 11th, 2009

First, welcome to those of you who are used to reading my column in the Anchorage Daily News. I kinda miss the whole paper-and-ink deal. It’s part of my heritage. But in the meantime, I’ll do my level best to provide timely travel information directly to your email inbox.

The news at hand concerns Alaska Airlines. All of us were waiting for a fare sale–and it finally arrived. Sort of. Honestly, the fares are n-o-t-h-i-n-g to write home about. That said, the rates are lower than those available in the market. So, whine as I might ( a common trait) I probably will buy a couple of tickets this evening based on the new rates.

So–let’s take a look at the good, the bad and the ugly.

First, the good. This fare sale applies to many of Alaska’s most far-flung communities including Barrow, Dutch Harbor and Kodiak. And the sale applies to popular destinations for sun-starved Alaskans including Honolulu (daily service from Anchorage), Puerto Vallarta and other Mexican cities. Also, new destinations like Minneapolis/St. Paul also are on the discounted fare list. Make plans now for  travel  through June 10. Purchase no later than Jan. 24, 2009.

Since Alaska Airlines is the only jet carrier in many of these markets (Nome, Kotzebue, Kodiak, Barrow, etc.)  travelers must grab the bargains when they can. This is one of those times.  For example, between Barrow and Fairbanks, Alaska is asking $189 each way (before taxes and fees). And between Barrow and Seattle, the rate is $369 each way (plus tax). Go directly to Alaska’s page regarding the “Winter Clearance Sale” here.

Other out-of-the-way destinations where the fare sale applies include Adak, Dutch Harbor, Wrangell, Ketchikan and Yakutat. (more…)