Would like to travel to ANC in June for the Midnight Run and some sightseeing (me & 2 kids to meet up w/one of the runners). Here's the dilemma - I have 3 free tix on US metal to anywhere in Continental USA, and they won't get me to ANC.

Historically, what has been the cheapest place in the US to get to/from ANC? I would redeem my tix to that point and pay the difference if it makes sense. I need to book my free tix no later than Mar 12 so the clock is ticking. I was thinking of extending my vacation time to LAX as well. Right now LAX-ANC is 299 and unsure if even avail around my days. (216 from SEA)

Any suggestions? (Any other board on this site I should post my dilemma?)

typically your cheapest fair to ANC will be from Seattle. Occasionally you can get cheap fairs from Vancouver also. Just shop around a little bit and hope for the best.

The midnight run is June 18th. That is pretty peak time here, right now airfare on AS' website is $229.90 per/all in around that time. Where are you getting the $216 quote? Does that include tax? You can check out UA/CO as those three seem to all offer the same fare.

I am not sure about YYZ as that is not in the United States although AS offers direct flights btwn YYZ/ANC... not sure if that is a destination option for you. (BTW, Alaska is a part of the continental U.S., just not a part of the contiguous U.S.) I am not sure what airline your tickets are through but award tickets through Continental, American and Delta all consider AK as part of the continental US. Northwest charges extra miles.

Frontier and America West both offer summer service, I think that service is through Denver.

You know... you could always RUN in the race via your local Leukemia Lymphoma Society Team and they'll cover your airfare & hotel

Alaska is really cool during summer solstice, it would be too bad if you gave up time in Alaska in exchange for LAX!!! There is a pretty exhaustive thread in Travel Buzz about an Alaskan itinerary. There is plenty to enjoy up here and that is the very best time of year.

Alison
Chugiak, AK

Thank you for the continental vs contiguous clarification. The $216 was searching yahoo best fares, didn't see if dates were avail or tax amounts. The free tix I have are from being bumped on US and only goood on US metal (US doesn't fly to ANC, so I also checked using US miles and no UA seats were avail around the dates I need - I'll keep checking though).

Yes, I could run, if I could run a marathon, but my spouse is on our local team, running in honor of our 7 1/2 year old son who is a Leukemia Survivor - so it would be great if we could be there to cheer him on.

However, I am actively involved in helping him raise and hopefully exceed the $4,500 minimum fundraising commitment. BTW - did you know we will have to personally make up any difference that isn't fundraised by June 1? So if you have any fundraising ideas, please feel free to PM me.

You have a PM

Alison