When Are Alaska Flights Cheapest? A Complete Guide by FaresMatch

Flying to Alaska can be a breathtaking adventure. From towering glaciers and snow-capped mountains to the magical Northern Lights, when are alaska flights cheapest the Last Frontier is a bucket-list destination for many. But before you pack your parka, there’s one crucial question to answer: when are Alaska flights cheapest?

At FaresMatch, we specialize in finding budget-friendly travel solutions, and in this post, we’ll break down the cheapest months, days, and booking strategies to help you save hundreds on your next Alaskan getaway.

Why Timing Matters for Alaska Flights

High Demand Means Higher Prices

Alaska’s popularity peaks during the summer months — June, July, and August — when the weather is most pleasant, and daylight can stretch up to 22 hours a day in some parts. While this is a great time to visit, it’s also when airfare and accommodations tend to skyrocket.

Off-Peak Seasons Offer Big Savings

If you’re flexible with your travel dates, flying during the shoulder seasons or off-peak months can result in significant savings. That’s why it’s essential to understand how the timing of your trip affects pricing.

Cheapest Months to Fly to Alaska

1. January to March – Winter Bargains

These are some of the cheapest months to book flights to Alaska. Tourists tend to avoid the harsh winter conditions, but if you’re an adventurer looking to experience activities like dog sledding, ice fishing, or the Northern Lights, this is your time.

Pros:

• Lowest airfare of the year
• Fewer crowds
• Opportunity to see aurora borealis

Cons:

• Frigid temperatures (often below zero)
• Limited accessibility in remote areas

2. April and May – Spring Shoulder Season

This is a great time to visit Alaska for lower flight prices and relatively milder weather compared to winter.

Why it’s cheaper:

• Pre-summer lull
• Tour operators just reopening
• Less competition for seats

Flights in late April and early May are especially affordable and ideal for budget travelers.

3. September to Mid-October – Fall Savings

As the summer crowds taper off, airline prices drop once again. This is another off-peak period where you can take advantage of cheap flights to Alaska.

Highlights:

• Stunning fall foliage
• Wildlife sightings (like moose and bears)
• Lower costs across the board (flights, hotels, tours)

Leverage FaresMatch Tools

Set up fare alerts with FaresMatch to monitor price drops. We provide users with real-time updates on Alaska flight deals, helping you book at the lowest price point.

Other tools you can use:

• Flexible Date Search: View cheaper days around your preferred travel date.
• Low Fare Calendar: See the cheapest dates at a glance.
• Compare Airlines: Search across carriers like Alaska Airlines, Delta, and United to find the best deal.

Best Airlines for Budget Travel to Alaska

Here are some carriers known for competitive pricing and frequent Alaska service:

• Alaska Airlines: Often has seasonal fare sales
• Delta Airlines: Strong hub presence in Seattle
• United Airlines: Offers connections from multiple U.S. cities
• JetBlue & Southwest (limited routes): Occasional low-cost options

Watch out for flash sales from these airlines — many offer surprise deals to cities like Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau.

Tips for Getting the Cheapest Alaska Flights

Be Flexible with Airports

Alaska is a huge state with multiple airports. The main ones include:

• Anchorage (ANC) – Most popular and well-connected
• Fairbanks (FAI) – Great for northern lights trips
• Juneau (JNU) – Ideal for southeast Alaska

If your travel plans are flexible, compare arrival cities to find the lowest fare.

Book a Red-Eye or Early Morning Flight

Odd-hour flights (departing very early or late at night) tend to be cheaper because of lower demand. If you’re not picky about the time, this can be an easy way to save.

Avoid Peak Holiday Travel

Flying around holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Fourth of July can drastically increase your fare. Try to travel a week before or after major holidays to avoid the price surge.

Final Thoughts: The Best Time to Book Alaska Flights

So, when are Alaska flights cheapest? In summary:

• January to March and September to October are your best bets.
• Book midweek flights, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
• Avoid summer and holiday peaks.
• Set fare alerts and compare flexible travel dates using FaresMatch.

Alaska is a destination that rewards early planning and smart booking. By understanding when demand drops and how airlines price routes, you can score major deals — all without sacrificing the magic of an unforgettable Alaskan experience.

Ready to book your trip?
Let FaresMatch help you find the cheapest flights to Alaska today. Search, compare, and save – all in one place.