Travel Information
Before you book
Before you book your flight, check out our pre-and post-conference activities in case you'd like to come early or stay a little longer.
Getting to Alaska
Fly to Anchorage. Alaska Airlines is just one of several major airlines that serve the Ted Stevens International Airport in Anchorage. Others include American Airlines, Delta, United Airlines/Continental, and US Airways. Frontier Airlines and Jet Blue fly to Anchorage seasonally.
Book flights early if you can. Options will become more limited as the meeting time gets closer.
American and Delta share frequent flier points and benefits with Alaska Airlines and code-share on many Alaska flights.
Delta and Alaska Airlines are offering conference discounts of up to 7% that may benefit travelers.
In order to receive the discounted fare, travelers need to fly Delta the entire way or Alaska Airlines the entire way round-trip to and from Anchorage only. Code-share flights are not eligible.
Delta
Meeting code: NM8VR
- Those leaving from a Delta Hub (ATL/CVG/DTW/MEM/MSP/SLC) will receive a 2% discount on discounted/restricted fares and a 5% discount on full/unrestricted fares.
- Those leaving from any other airport in the United States will receive a 5% discount on discounted/restricted fares and a 7% discount on full/unrestricted fares.
- In order to qualify for discounts, you must purchase a round-trip ticket.
- Tickets can be bought online using the meeting code or by calling Delta directly (1-800-328-2216). There is a $15.00 charge if you call Delta.
- Effective now.
- Good for travel to/from Anchorage for September 10, 2012, through September 26, 2012.
- Skymiles are earned.
- Any changes or cancellations are subject to service charges.
Alaska Airlines
Meeting code: ECMG497
- Travelers will receive 7% discount off of Alaska Airlines published fares (except companion and promotional fares).
- Travel must take place between September 13 and September 23.
- Tickets must be round trip.
- Any changes or cancellations are subject to service charges.
- Tickets may be bought online or at the Alaska Airlines Group Desk (1-800-445-4425). Tickets purchased at the group desk will incur a $15.00 fee.
Check out Wikitravel: Anchorage for lots of good information about getting into and around Anchorage.
Getting to Alyeska Resort from Anchorage
Car rental
Ken Graham Photography
Car rental and ride sharing from the Anchorage airport is recommended. It's about a one-hour drive on the Seward Highway from the airport. Consult Google Maps in advance to see how to get from the airport to the Seward Highway, or ask for a map and directions at the car rental counter.
Some helpful links:
- Explore Byway: Seward Highway
- National Geographic Road Trip: Seward Highway
- Alaska Department of Transportation: Alaska's Scenic Byways
Other options
- The Hotel Alyeska contracts with a transportation service at special rates for those who stay at the hotel. The flat rate (not including tips) for a 3-passenger private sedan is $95; shuttle van for 4–7 people, $120; shuttle van for 7–12 people, $120 plus a $50 luggage fee. (The concierge notes that 12 people in a van is pretty tight.) Reservations must be made in advance. Last-minute travelers can take a Checker Cab at a $90 flat rate.
- The hotel's Ground Transportation web page has more information. Be aware that some services are seasonal. The Alaska Railroad line to Girdwood and Seward suspends service just prior to Sea Grant Week.
- The Seward Bus Line has a regular daily route between Anchorage and Seward that includes a stop at the road into Girdwood, where travelers can catch the Girdwood shuttle to the hotel. The cost of the bus ride is about $35.
- Seward Bus Line also offers a variety of charter options for 5 or more people, ranging from $25 to $35 per person. Call 888-420-7788 from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Alaska time (which is four hours behind the East Coast).
The hotel concierge can assist with transportation questions and can make arrangements for transportation for larger groups. Call Lori or Rachel at 907-754-2108, or email guestservices@alyeskaresort.com.
Rent a motorhome. It's easy to travel around the Alaska road system in a motorhome. For those of you who will take some time to see a bit of Alaska, consider renting one to get you from Anchorage to Girdwood and beyond.
Google search for more RV rental options in Anchorage. We do not endorse or otherwise recommend any motorhome rental company.
The day lodge at the resort rents spots to RVs for $10/day. Hook-ups are not provided, but restrooms are available. RV parking does not include hotel-guest amenities such as access to the pool, but RV guests are welcome at the hotel restaurants and any other public places. See the resort's RV Parking page for more information.
Weather and temperatures
Temperatures in mid-September are likely to range between 35 and 60 degrees F. Rain is possible. Snow is not likely, but not impossible.
Sunrise and sunset: On September 18, 2012, sunrise will be at 7:35 a.m. and sunset at 8:10 p.m. Daylight hours: 12 hours 34 minutes.
What to pack
Layers are always a good idea. Bring a hat, scarf, gloves and rain gear. Warm footgear will come in handy if you like to take walks. Bring winter wear and rain gear if you take a Resurrection Bay boat ride (see our Seward field trip page or check out "Boat Tours of Kenai Fjords National Park or Resurrection Bay" on the "Seward Area Activities" page).
The resort has a useful list of recommended clothing and gear on their "What to Pack" page.