How to Fly to Alaska for Cheap in 2026 (From the Lower 48)

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Alaska has a reputation for being expensive to reach, and a lot of people write off the trip before they ever price it out. But after years of booking flights up to the Last Frontier, I’ve learned it’s far more affordable than it looks once you know a few tricks. The savings come down to when you book, where you fly from, and which rewards you actually use.

I’ve pulled together the five tips that have saved me the most over the years. Each one is a specific move I still use every time I fly to Alaska for cheap. Get even a couple of them right and you could knock hundreds off your fare!

1. Sign up for Going.com Premium

If you’re anything like me, you love a good deal on airfare. For years now, Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) has been my secret weapon, and it’s saved me a small fortune on flights, especially on trickier routes like the ones up to Alaska.

Here’s how it works. Going is a membership site and app that pings you whenever there’s a discounted fare from your chosen airports, including rare mistake fares and points and miles deals. It’s like having someone watching the prices for you around the clock.

There are three tiers: Limited, Premium, and Elite. The free Limited plan is fine for economy deals within the continental US, but for an Alaska trip the Premium version is the sweet spot, and you’ll usually make the fee back on a single booking. If you decide to upgrade after the free trial, you can use my code JON25 for 25% off!

If you’d rather fly to Alaska up front, the Elite tier is the one to get. It hunts down discounts on business and first-class fares, and it’s saved me hundreds on premium seats I’d never have paid full price for.

• See exactly where Alaska Airlines flies from each hub: Alaska Airlines Route Map

2. Choose the right airline to save big

Flying to Alaska doesn’t have to break the bank. One of my favorite hacks is to choose airlines wisely. They can offer some seriously good deals if you know where to look!

Alaska Airlines is often your best bet for cheap flights from the US to Alaska. Alaska has hubs in Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, and LAX – making it a popular airline on the West Coast. They frequently have sales and, if you’re planning to fly often, getting their credit card could save you even more. Don’t worry, we’ll dive into those details later.

Another great option is Sun Country Airlines. They’re a budget-friendly airline that offers affordable flights from Minneapolis to Anchorage. Sun Country has direct flights to over 50 destinations across the US, making it accessible for many. Their service is no-frills, but if you’re focused on saving money, it’s a fantastic choice. 

Now, let’s talk strategy. As someone living in Boston, I’ve found that mixing and matching airlines can lead to significant savings. For example, I might fly with Sun Country from Boston to Minneapolis. From there, I can catch a cheap Delta flight to Anchorage. This way, I split my trip between a budget airline and a major carrier, maximizing savings. Alternatively, I can stick with Sun Country on both legs of the journey to save extra cash.

Delta operates flights to Alaska from several hubs, including Seattle, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, Atlanta, and Detroit. United Airlines is another option if you’re flying from Washington DC, Denver, or Chicago. They occasionally have affordable flights to Alaska that are worth snagging.

• Also check out: The 7 Top Airlines to Book for Your Trip to Alaska

3. Book flights from cheaper airports

Finding a good deal on flights to Alaska often starts with selecting the right departure or connecting airport. Here’s a quick look at how choosing specific airports can lead to significant savings:

• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA): As a major hub, SEA frequently offers some of the most competitive fares to Alaska. Travelers can often find round-trip tickets for as low as $300 to $350, especially during sales. Alaska Airlines and Delta are your go-to carriers here.
• Bellingham International Airport (BLI in Bellingham, WA): About 90 minutes north of Seattle near the Canadian border, Bellingham is a quieter, often cheaper alternative for flying north. Alaska Airlines serves it, and the smaller airport means shorter lines and easy parking if you’re driving up to catch your flight.
• Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (Honolulu, HI): This one surprises people, but flying from Honolulu to Alaska can be a great deal. Since Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines merged, the two now run as one combined network, which has strengthened the Hawaii-to-Alaska routing and opened up more award and Companion Fare options. Despite the long haul, I’ve seen fares as low as $405 round-trip.
• O’Hare International Airport (Chicago, IL): Chicago is another solid option for budget-conscious travelers. United Airlines and Alaska Airlines frequently offer competitive prices, with round-trip flights often ranging from $400 to $500.
• Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP): Sun Country Airlines offers some of the best deals from Minneapolis to Alaska. Look for round-trip fares around $400, especially during their promotions.

By choosing these departure airports, you can significantly cut down your travel expenses to Alaska. Again- Going makes it easy to set up departure airports, so I recommend signing up to make this process easier. This strategy has saved me hundreds of dollars, and it can do the same for you! 

• Read this next: Airlines With the Fastest Wi-Fi in 2026

4. Take advantage of airline miles programs

I highly recommend using airline mileage programs if you want to save money on Alaska flights. Let’s explore the benefits of United, Alaska, and Delta mileage programs and how they can help you snag affordable tickets.

Atmos Rewards (Alaska + Hawaiian)

This is the big one for Alaska flyers. In 2025, Alaska merged its old Mileage Plan with Hawaiian’s program to create Atmos Rewards, one unified program across both airlines. Old Mileage Plan miles and status carried over automatically at 1:1, with miles now called “points” and tiers renamed.

It keeps what made Mileage Plan great, including free stopovers and a big partner network, and the combined map means more award space through Seattle, Anchorage, and Honolulu. New for 2026, you choose how you earn, by distance, price, or segments. The famous Companion Fare lives on too. With the Alaska Airlines Visa (around $95 a year), you get a yearly $99 Companion Fare plus a sign-up bonus, and it now works on Hawaiian flights as well.

Delta SkyMiles

Delta’s SkyMiles program is flexible, with no blackout dates and miles that don’t expire. Hubs in Seattle and Minneapolis give you solid options into Alaska, and a one-way economy award typically runs around 17,500 miles. Hit Medallion status and you’ll add perks like free checked bags and complimentary upgrades.

United MileagePlus

United MileagePlus is the pick if you fly United and its Star Alliance partners often. With hubs in Chicago and Denver, you’re well-covered for Alaskan routes, and one-way economy awards can go as low as 12,500 miles. A United card or the shopping portal helps the balance grow faster.

Bottom line

For most people flying to Alaska, Atmos Rewards offers the best value, thanks to free stopovers, reasonable award rates, and that $99 Companion Fare. Delta and United are both worth having too, so it’s worth signing up for all three and seeing which fits your routes.

• You may also like: Alaska Airlines First Class Guide
• Plan your perfect Alaska adventure with official travel guides: Travel Alaska

5. Book your flight to Alaska during off-peak times

Timing is everything when it comes to scoring cheap flights to Alaska. Booking during off-peak times can save you a ton of money and help you avoid the crowds.

First, let’s talk about the best times to visit. Alaska’s peak tourist season is from mid-June to mid-August. While this is when you’ll find the warmest weather and long daylight hours, it’s also the most expensive time to fly.

To find the cheapest flights to Alaska, aim for the shoulder seasons – late April to early June and late August to mid-September. During these months, you can still enjoy decent weather and some great deals on flights and accommodations.

For Anchorage specifically, traveling in the off-season, such as October or early spring, can yield even better deals. Sure, it might be a bit chillier, but Alaska’s beauty shines year-round. This is a great time of year to see the Northern Lights! 

Now, when it comes to booking your tickets, aim to book about three to six months in advance. Airlines often release their cheapest seats around this time, and you can catch sales and promotions.

From my experience, booking mid-week flights (like Tuesday or Wednesday) can also help you snag lower fares. Avoid booking on weekends when most people are searching for flights.

By booking during off-peak times and planning ahead, you can make your dream trip to Alaska more affordable.

• Pro Tip: To avoid having to spend hours upon hours looking for cheap flights to Alaska, I highly recommend signing up for Going Premium. While the free version is great for continental US economy deals, the Premium version is what you’ll need to find best-value flights to AK, including credit card points and airline mile deals.