Let's talk about the latest batch of air fares now available from Anchorage to the Lower 48. Even though it's just February, airlines are gearing up for summer service. That means introductory specials as the airlines launch the seasonal service.
For example, Frontier Airlines will resume its daily Anchorage-Denver  onstop on May 9. They're having an early-bird sale that ends on Feb.25 (today). If you're thinking of going to Denver in May, you should  jump on this: Anchorage-Denver $440 roundtrip, including all taxes and fees. The rate is valid May 8-May 20 only. Alaska matched the fare right away. Both airlines offer nonstop service in the summer.
Another airline, Sun Country Airlines of Minneapolis, flies up here  during the summer. They have an introductory fare to Minneapolis for just $330 roundtrip, including taxes and fees. The fare is valid May 22-June 10 only. Northwest and Sun Country offer non-stop service. Alaska flies via Seattle. Work it right and you can get a free stop in Seattle on Alaska.
Frankly, most of the fares between Anchorage and California are over-the-top. But there are some chinks in the armor. For example, you can  fly from here to Palm Springs for $477 roundtrip. Alaska Airlines also  offers a free stop in Seattle on this fare. Another good rate closer to L.A. is Burbank. It's 21 miles from LAX, but you'll save about $200  off the price to Los Angeles. Heck--even San Diego is a little  cheaper--just under $540 roundtrip. L.A.? Wow. It's more than $740.  Insane.
In fact, it's cheaper to fly to Germany. You can fly nonstop from  Anchorage or Fairbanks to Frankfurt. From Anchorage, the rate is as  low as $659 including taxes (May 5-12 only). The rate from Fairbanks  is a little more--about $749 (early season departures). Still, that's less than from the Lower 48--and you're in Europe in less than 10 hours! Even in mid-summer, you can find prices right around $1,100--much cheaper than flights via the Lower 48.
Here's another Southern California bargain: Anchorage-Santa Barbara, just $477 roundtrip all-in on Alaska Airlines. This fare has been available for awhile, but only on USAir. Finally, Alaska matched it. Alaska has a much better schedule. Also, there is a free stop available in Seattle. Think about it: If you're going to Seattle, you'll save money if you take an extra flight down to Santa Barbara. Why? Because Alaska Airlines charges $530 roundtrip between Anchorage and Seattle. Tack on the extra flight and save $60. Stranger than fiction.
To fly back east, New York is the value leader at $479 roundtrip on Alaska, Northwest or Delta. With Alaska, you fly to Chicago, then hook up with American Airlines into either LaGuardia (LGA) or JFK. Great price. For the same price, you also can fly into Hartford, Conn. on Continental, Northwest or Alaska.
The in-state bargains are great between Anchorage and Fairbanks, Kodiak, Bethel, Cordova and Homer. That's because Era Aviation and Alaska Airlines compete in several markets. The best fares are available through the end of March, but watch for deals after that.
Anchorage-Fairbanks $89 each way on Era Aviation and Alaska Air (taxes and fees are additional). To Cordova or Valdez, the lowest fare is $109 each way. It's $129 each way to Bethel, $69 each way to Kenai, $89 each way to Homer and $129 each way to Kodiak.
Just for fun, here's the flip side with some really high fares.
Between Anchorage and L.A., Alaska Airlines' lowest fare is $743 roundtrip, including taxes. To Cincinnati, Delta wants $886 roundtrip. And yes, that's the lowest available fare. USAir wants $823 roundtrip to fly to Memphis and Northwest wants $874 for a roundtrip ticket to Springfield, Ill.
Even within Alaska, the fares can get funny: Fly to Adak from Anchorage for a whopping $1,233 roundtrip. That's the lowest fare. Headed to Dutch Harbor? Be prepared to shell out at least $948 on PenAir. Flights to Barrow cost $609 roundtrip, with a 21-day advance notice.
Air fares change all the time, for all sorts of different reasons. One reason is to re-introduce the airline to a market. Other seasonal airlines include Air Canada from Vancouver, BC and American Airlines rom Dallas. Stay tuned for more specials.
Online resources:
Frontier Airlines. The Denver-based airline (currently in bankruptcy)will begin seasonal service on May 9 with a single Denver-Anchorage flight. www.frontierairlines.com
Sun Country Airlines. Based in Minneapolis, Sun Country flies several times each week during the summer between Anchorage and Minneapolis. www.suncountry.com
Air Canada. Each summer, Air Canada flies between Anchorage and Vancouver, BC. www.aircanada.com
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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.