Copyright Anchorage Daily News
Travelers have big questions as the U.S. government shutdown approaches 40 days. The Federal Aviation Administration has mandated cuts in flight schedules of up to 10% at the top 40 airports, including Anchorage, Seattle, Los Angeles, Portland, Denver, Minneapolis and Chicago. Here in Alaska, travelers want to know if their flights are affected — and how airlines will protect them, or refund their money. Travelers also want to know that their flights will operate safely, even during a government shutdown. Airlines have said that travelers will be re-accommodated or receive a refund if their flight is canceled. Details vary from airline to airline. Check with your carrier for specifics. On Thursday, Alaska Airlines extended the available dates for change-or-cancel to Nov. 14. The actual number of canceled flights is lower, as the FAA is working with the airlines to gradually step up to the 10% level. By Friday, a 4% reduction in flights was mandated. That increases to 6% on Tuesday, up to 10% by next Friday, Nov. 14. On Friday, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said flight reductions of up to 20% could be implemented if the shutdown drags on. [Alaska and other airlines promise refunds as flight restrictions begin at Anchorage airport] In the interim, air traffic controllers and TSA screeners are working without pay. “Right now, it’s a stressful situation,” said Clint Lancaster, an air traffic controller at Anchorage Center. The center is a windowless building near the Boniface entrance gate to JBER. Lancaster serves as the regional vice president for NATCA (National Air Traffic Controllers Association), the union that represents nearly 20,000 controllers and aviation safety professionals. “Morale is getting worse by the day,” said Lancaster. “Our members are showing up, though. They know how important the job is.” Air traffic control is split into three areas. In Anchorage, with three major airports (Ted Stevens International, JBER and Merrill Field), there are three distinct air traffic duties: 1. The tower. This station is the most visible face of air traffic controllers. They sit at the top of the big tower and direct traffic on the ground and within a 5-mile radius. 2. Terminal radar. When planes are taking off or landing, the crews work with controllers when they’re between 5 and 40 miles from the field. 3. En route facility. The full name of Anchorage Center is “Anchorage Air Route Traffic Control Center.” The center has control of more than 2,000,000 square miles of air space. It borders Canadian airspace, Russian airspace, Japanese airspace and a chunk of the Pacific Ocean dedicated to the Oakland Center in California. In addition to hefty passenger loads, our international airport is one of the world’s busiest cargo hubs. Lake Hood is the world’s busiest float plane base. Merrill Field is the second-busiest in the state. “I probably talk to a couple thousand planes per day,” said Lancaster. Lancaster was emphatic that flying remains safe, even during the shutdown. “If you’re in a plane and you’re flying, you’re safe,” he said. A concrete issue during the shutdown is the number of controllers available for duty. “If we don’t have the resources, then we’re going to slow things down,” he said. So even if your flight isn’t canceled, it could be delayed because of air traffic control issues. That means you could miss a connecting flight. “Our members are hard-working American patriots,” said Lancaster. “Our controllers will continue to show up as long as they can.” [How FAA flight cuts could affect your travel plans during the shutdown] Lancaster stressed there are other crucial issues affected by the shutdown, including support for air traffic control equipment. “The controllers are the tip of the spear,” he said. “But when there are equipment outages and there’s no support, the whole system starts to erode.” Many travelers may elect to simply take their chances and hope that their planes go on time. If you’re really feeling lucky, take advantage of a handful of last-minute deals to Europe that keep popping up. There’s no advance purchase, which is unusual. Fly on United, American or Delta between Anchorage and Athens for $499 per person between Nov. 10 and Nov. 19. Between Anchorage and Barcelona, the Basic fare is $437 round-trip on Delta, traveling Nov. 12-20. Anchorage-London is $593 round-trip on Delta. Fly Nov. 11-20. Anchorage-Paris is $519 round-trip on Delta. Fly Dec. 1-10. There are many other dates available to Europe through March 4. The upcharge to “main” is $200, which covers a checked bag, pre-assigned seats and full mileage credit. If you’d rather stay put until the shutdown ends, do some early-winter exploring right here in Alaska: 1. Go see the northern lights north of Fairbanks along the Haul Road (aka “Dalton Highway”) with Northern Alaska Tour Company. Go in a van from Fairbanks north to Coldfoot. It’s a fun ride along the path of the pipeline and across the Yukon River. Drop your gear and then head out to Wiseman to a dark-and-quiet cabin to see the lights. Take the Aurora Winter Train on Saturdays from Anchorage to Fairbanks. It’s a fun ride and takes all day! The return trip is on Sunday. But honestly, one way on the train is enough. Fly back (fingers crossed). 2. Check out the Nordic Spa at Alyeska Resort. There’s a $99 special for Alaska residents. There’s a big collection of hot, warm, cool and cold pools, plus saunas and steam rooms. Use coupon code “AKLOCAL” between now and Nov. 25. Alyeska Resort also offers Alaska residents up to 30% off the room rate, in case you don’t want to drive following your exhausting spa visit.
