โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
International โ Domestic
90
minutes
International โ International
120
minutes
Interline Connections
150
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) consists of two main passenger terminals: the South Terminal (Domestic) and the North Terminal (International). The South Terminal is the primary hub for most commercial traffic, housing Concourses A, B, and C, and serves major carriers including Alaska Airlines, Delta, and United. It features the majority of the airport's amenities, including the Alaska Airlines Board Room, various dining options featuring local Alaskan cuisine, and retail stores. The North Terminal is smaller and is utilized primarily for international flights, seasonal charters, and cargo operations.
Connectivity between the two terminals is strictly landside, meaning there is no airside transfer available. Passengers connecting between the South and North terminals must exit the secure area, travel to the other terminal, and re-clear security. The terminals are connected by a climate-controlled pedestrian walkway, which offers a scenic view and takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes to traverse. Alternatively, a free shuttle bus service operates between the terminals every 15 minutes. Due to the need to re-screen, travelers should factor in extra time for TSA checkpoints, especially during peak travel seasons or when large cruise ship groups are moving through the airport.
For international arrivals, passengers will clear Customs and Border Protection in the North Terminal (unless pre-cleared at the origin). After clearing immigration and customs, passengers can proceed to the landside area for ground transport or transfer to the South Terminal for domestic connections. The airport is fully accessible, with elevators and assistance services available. Families will find nursing rooms in the South Terminal, and the airport is known for its taxidermy displays, which provide a unique diversion for children and adults alike.
๐ Connection Tips
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) operates with two distinct terminals that are not connected airside: the South Terminal, which handles almost all domestic flights, and the North Terminal, primarily used for international arrivals and seasonal charters. For travelers connecting between these two facilities, a landside transfer is required. You can utilize the climate-controlled pedestrian walkway, which offers scenic views and takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes to traverse, or take the free airport shuttle bus that runs every 15 minutes between the terminal entrances. Because you must exit the secure area to change terminals, you will need to undergo TSA re-screening, so allow at least 90 minutes for a domestic-to-international connection.
For international arrivals (excluding pre-cleared flights from Canada), you must clear U. S. Customs and Border Protection at the North Terminal. This involves collecting all checked baggage, passing through immigration and customs, and then re-checking your bags for any onward domestic flights at the South Terminal. For these international-to-domestic transfers, a minimum of three hours is strongly recommended to account for potential queues at passport control and the necessary terminal transit.
If your connection is entirely domestic within the South Terminal (Concourses A, B, and C), you can generally remain airside and move between gates without re-clearing security. Please ensure that all your onward travel arrangements, including ground transport to your final destination, are confirmed well in advance. Our research indicates that regional transit in this area is highly weather-dependent and requires travelers to remain flexible with their schedules. Always confirm your flight status 24 hours prior to departure, carry your essential medications and critical documents in your hand baggage, and maintain open lines of communication with your local hosts or transport providers. By treating this airport segment as the foundation of your regional travel plan rather than the conclusion of your flight, you will find that it is a highly reliable gateway, provided you account for the unique pace of local transport and the seasonal variability of the local environment, which can often be unpredictable due to sudden meteorological shifts or technical logistics.
Travelers should be aware that Alaska's unpredictable maritime weather, including dense fog and heavy winter snow, can lead to sudden schedule adjustments. Always monitor your flight status via your airline's mobile app and utilize the free high-speed Wi-Fi available throughout both terminals to stay updated. Additionally, keep your REAL ID-compliant identification or passport readily accessible at all times, as security protocols in the North Pacific gateway are rigorous and thorough.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Ambler Airport (ABL) is a remote, state-owned public-use airport located in the Native Alaskan village of Ambler, within the Northwest Arctic Borough. It serves as an indispensable lifeline for this isolated community, as there are no connecting roads. The airport's infrastructure is extremely basic, reflecting its role as a bush airport. There is no traditional terminal building; instead, operations are conducted from a small, heated shelter or a designated waiting area adjacent to the gravel runway. This single facility serves as the waiting lounge, check-in area, and baggage claim point.
The airport is equipped with two gravel runways, the longest measuring 3,000 feet, operating at an elevation of 334 feet above mean sea level. This design accommodates the small aircraft, typically Twin Otters or Cessnas, that are vital for connecting Ambler to larger regional hubs. Passengers should anticipate a highly informal process, with direct interactions with pilots and airline representatives from operators like Bering Air.
Amenities at Ambler Airport are exceptionally sparse. There are no cafes, restaurants, vending machines, or shops on-site. Travelers are strongly advised to bring all necessary provisions, including food, water, and personal supplies. Security procedures are minimal, consistent with bush flying operations in remote Alaska, focusing on adherence to general aviation safety guidelines.
๐ Connection Tips
Connections at Ambler Airport are exclusively through domestic bush flights, with Bering Air being the primary scheduled carrier. These flights are crucial for linking Ambler with the regional hub of Kotzebue (OTZ) and nearby villages like Shungnak (SHG) and Kobuk (OBU). Kotzebue's Ralph Wien Memorial Airport serves as the main gateway from which most flights to Ambler originate, providing essential connections to Anchorage via Alaska Airlines. Because there are no roads connecting this isolated part of the Northwest Arctic Borough to the rest of the state, these regional air links are the only way to transport supplies, personnel, and medical essentials to the community. Travelers should expect a highly personalized but informal experience, as flights often operate as multi-stop 'milk runs' across the Kobuk River valley.
Travel to and from Ambler is highly dependent on unpredictable Arctic weather conditions and available daylight hours. Flights are frequently subject to significant delays or total cancellations due to adverse weather patterns, including dense fog, heavy snow, or high winds, which are common throughout the year. It is crucial for all travelers to maintain flexible itineraries and to confirm their flight status directly with Bering Air or their charter operator before heading to the airstrip. Unlike major commercial airports, there are no inter-airline baggage transfer services here; all luggage is handled manually by the pilot and ground agents upon arrival and departure. Always prepare for the unexpected and carry essential items in your carry-on, as the challenging environment can lead to extended stays in regional hubs like Kotzebue.
Ground transportation in the village of Ambler is extremely limited and primarily relies on local community members or pre-arranged pickups from your lodging provider. There are no traditional taxi services, Uber, or rental cars readily available at the airport, which is located about 1.5 miles north of the village center. Most residents and visitors use ATVs (four-wheelers) during the summer and snow machines in the winter to navigate the gravel road between the airstrip and the community. Bering Air typically has a local agent who coordinates arrivals and can assist with logistics, but it is vital to have a clear plan for your ground transport well in advance of your touchdown to ensure you are not left stranded at the remote airfield.
Self-sufficiency is paramount when traveling to such an isolated destination, and coordination with local providers like the Kobuk River Lodge is highly recommended. This lodge is the primary provider for both accommodation and meals in Ambler and can often assist with arranging the necessary transport from the airport. During the summer months, travel between Ambler, Shungnak, and Kobuk can also be conducted via small boats on the Kobuk River, though this is a local arrangement and not part of any formal transit system. Having a thorough understanding of your ground logistics, including pre-booked lodging and a confirmed local contact for pickup, is as critical as your flight plan when navigating the unique challenges of the Alaskan bush.
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