Who's ready for some bargain airfares? This time of year, deals crop up quickly. But there are several twists that means more Alaskans will get the cheap rates across the 49th state.
For the last few years, Anchorage travelers have been spoiled with great rates, particularly between Anchorage and southern California. This is because of JetBlue's seasonal service between Anchorage and both Seattle and Long Beach.
This year, however, there's a new act in town: Delta Air Lines. We've discussed how the Atlanta-based mega-carrier is battling its own partner, Alaska Airlines, in its Seattle buildup. But the battle now has reached a fever pitch. It's time to remember airfare rule No. 1: When airlines are mad at each other, the traveler wins. And since Delta is starting Juneau-Seattle and Fairbanks-Seattle flights, as well as beefing up its Anchorage-Seattle schedule, airfares are dropping across the state.
From Anchorage
• Anchorage-Seattle: There's just one date left for the Anchorage-Seattle deal-of-the-decade of $196 roundtrip on JetBlue. That's departing May 19, returning on May 22 or May 24. But with Delta, Alaska and JetBlue fighting for travelers, fares will stay low.
• Anchorage-Long Beach: The best deals are May 16 to May 21 on JetBlue's nonstop. The price? Just $217 roundtrip.
• Anchorage-Denver: Frontier Airlines spools up four-times-a-week nonstop service on May 17, departing Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. The lowest rates are available departing May 17 through May 29. But fares for less than $400 roundtrip are available into mid-June.
• Anchorage-New York City: This fare is playing hide and seek. But if you can find it, it's a great deal. I found a $416 roundtrip ticket on United, departing May 29, returning June 6.
• Anchorage-San Diego: Here's an awesome rate from Alaska Airlines from Anchorage to its new hub in San Diego: $380 roundtrip. The fare is available as early as May 13.
From Fairbanks
• Fairbanks-Seattle: Both Alaska and Delta are offering a g-r-e-a-t rate to Seattle from the Golden Heart City: $244 roundtrip. The sale starts on the same day Delta begins service: May 29.
• Fairbanks-Portland: Alaska Air offers a bargain on its nonstop flight to the Rose City: $398 roundtrip, starting June 8.
• Fairbanks-San Francisco: Delta offers a $402 roundtrip fare starting on May 31 for early-June travel. Tip: You also can get the rate on Alaska Air, if you don't mind an overnight layover in Seattle. I am not making this up.
• Fairbanks-Denver: Here's a humdinger of a rate from Frontier Airlines: $268 roundtrip starting June 3 on the nonstop flight.
• Fairbanks-Los Angeles: Delta and Alaska offer a $442 roundtrip fare for June travel.
From Juneau
• Juneau-Seattle: Fly Alaska or Delta for as little as $244 roundtrip, starting May 29, the day Delta starts service. Last week, the rate was twice that. The $244 rate is available all summer.
• Juneau-New York: Fly with Delta on May 30, returning on June 3 for as little as $410 roundtrip. After that, the fare jumps to around $500 roundtrip. Still, that's a great deal from Juneau.
• Juneau-Salt Lake City: Delta offers a $360 roundtrip fare, starting May 30. Alaska is countering with a $370 roundtrip fare. By the way, the fare was more than $600 on Alaska just last week.
• Juneau-Los Angeles/LAX: Delta offers a $390 roundtrip fare, starting May 30. Alaska offers a $400 roundtrip rate, but many of the connections mandate an overnight stay in Seattle on the return.
Fares within Alaska
Alaska Airlines has dropped the fare on many routes within the state for summertime travel, including:
• Anchorage-Fairbanks, as low as $207 roundtrip, starting May 1.
• Anchorage-Bethel, as low as $253 roundtrip, starting May 19.
• Anchorage-Kodiak, as low as $227 roundtrip between May 13 and May 24.
• Anchorage-Juneau, as low as $251 roundtrip May 13-26.
• Anchorage-Barrow, as low as $266 roundtrip for a May 17 departure, returning on May 24 only. In June, the fare floats to $335 roundtrip.
• Fairbanks-Barrow, as low as $302 roundtrip starting May 19.
Naturally, rates change all the time, especially as Delta and Alaska continue to battle. But the takeaway message is this: Competition fosters lower fares. That's good news for Anchorage travelers -- and it's great news for travelers in Juneau and Fairbanks.
There are other elements aside from airfare prices. With Alaska's Club 49 program, you get two free checked bags. Delta charges for bags, unless you have the Delta American Express card -- a popular option for Costco shoppers. JetBlue offers one bag for free. Frontier and United charge for bags.
Both Alaska Airlines and Delta are running double-mileage programs on their routes between Seattle and Anchorage, Juneau and Fairbanks. There's a big difference, though. Delta's double-mileage promotion is available only to Washington state residents. Conversely, if you are a Club 49 member with Alaska Airlines -- you're already registered for Alaska's double-mileage promotion. However, travelers should check Alaska's "mileage specials" page for double-mileage promotions beyond Seattle. You have to register in advance for those.
Scott McMurren is an Anchorage-based travel marketing consultant who has lived in Alaska for three decades, spending much of that time traveling the far-flung corners of the state. Visit his website at www.alaskatravelgram.com or follow him on Twitter for breaking travel news.