AIRWAY HEIGHTS — A prominent airline company announced that beginning next summer, direct flights between Spokane and Anchorage, AK will be possible for travelers.
Local travelers wishing a non-stop air trip either to or from Anchorage will have the chance to do so twice weekly, according to Alaska Airlines. from June 10-Aug. 15.
Flights from Spokane International Airport will connect with Ted Stephens Anchorage International Airport in Alaska.
Days for the twice-a-week flights are Wednesdays and Sundays.
Times for the flights are:
• 2:50 p.m. departing from Spokane and 5:45 p.m. arriving.
• 6:30 p.m. departing from Anchorage and 11:13 p.m. arriving.
Dave Haring, Spokane Airport CEO said, “We continually assess the travel needs and preferences of our community, and know Anchorage, particularly during the summer travel period, is a sought-after destination by Inland Northwest passengers.”
Haring said more than 100 passengers each-way travel between our region and Anchorage per day.
Before this, flights between Spokane and Anchorage involved stopovers, most typically in Seattle.
Summer travel to Alaska for Inland Northwest residents typically involve vacation travel.
According to state tourism website alaska.org, travel is generally to one of five state regions:
• The Arctic, including the arctic coastline
• The Indie Passage, home of stretches of wilderland
• The Interior, location of the destination peak Denali
• Southcentral, the center of most of the state’s population, including Anchorage
• The Southwest, includes wetlands and coastline and is home to many species of wildlife like the Alaskan brown bear
Interstate business travel is another, though less popular, reason for travel between the two states, according to sources.
