I always enjoy reading an outsiders perspective on Alaska, but I will tell you the reason you had a hard time finding award seats to FAI in March has nothing to do with northern lights tourists and everything to do with March being one of the busiest months for Alaskans to get out of here and go someplace warm, due in large part to spring break.

I also remember the weekend of March 9th distinctly because I was moving...ANC was in the 40's for highs. Balmy for that time of year...

Having been to Fairbanks the weekend before you were for the Governor's Cup, I can vouch for the roads up there being much icier than usual. Not fun in a rental car with crappy summer tires.