We will actually be going in June, 2019. I have just been looking now to see what the award seats might cost if I book as soon as they are released. I will not actually book the flights until late July, and still have to decide between ANC and FAI.

Last time I went up to Denali in June (2016),I did not book my flights until the previous September, and I was surprised at how few low-level mileage seats were available. And the fare price was high. This was flying to and from Fairbanks. It was quite a change from a previous trip, when I was able to book 6 people RT to ANC and back with my miles for 25K RT each, in December. It seems things have changed, but so does everything. That is why I want to research and be prepared to book early.

And I will have to figure out at the time of booking if I want to use miles or our companion fare voucher. We have lots of miles, but I want to save enough to book Business class to Japan (hopefully) later in the same year. So I am watching the JAL threads with interest.