Talkeetna Air Taxi Plane Tour in Alaska- When planning our trip to Alaska we wanted to splurge on something we typically never do, a plane tour. We have always been places that offered plane tours but never thought they were worth it. In Alaska we thought differently, Alaska’s rugged landscape means it’s hard to get to the extreme sites. But by plane you can see glaciers, waterfalls, mountains, glacier pools and more. You even have the option to land and walk on a glacier with a plane tour! When searching for the best option we found Talkeetna Air Taxi. They had the best prices and great ratings. We also knew we wanted to visit the charming town of Talkeetna, Alaska.
Overview
Is Landing on a Glacier Worth It?
Other Things To Do In The Area
Other Articles You May Be Interested In
Why Talkeenta Air Taxi?
We looked at many flight tours but Talkeenta Air Taxi had the best price, reviews and we absolutely loved our pilot.
Talkeetna Air Taxi always has your best interest in mind. Below you may read about some rescheduling due to the weather. All the changes sounds stressful and confusing but it did make me love working with Talkeetna Air Taxi even more. They truly wanted us to have the best tour we could have. It is one of the reasons I will always recommend them.
When To Go
Talkeetna Air Taxi is open year round! But I think it is best to go in the summer months. We went at the end of July.
A few things to think about when picking your time of year to go is the weather. Weather can delay or cancel your plane tour. A total bummer but it’s best regarding safety and to get the best views. Summer months may have clearer weather and better roads getting to the town of Talkeetna as well.
But summer months are not a guarantee. We went at the end of July and had to reschedule our plane tour. They were willing to take us up in the air but gave us the option to reschedule because the fog and bad weather would not let us get the views we were hoping for or the glacier landing. They left the decision up to us to cancel or reschedule with a full refund. The weather was okay to fly in, but the views would not be the same as we were expecting.
We decided to reschedule for a day that we would be passing through after visiting Denali. We were glad we did. It still was not the best weather but much better and still totally worth it!
Where To Stay
It is best to stay in the town of Talkeetna. As mentioned above your flight has the possibility to be delayed or rescheduled. Staying in town will give you more flexibility if you need to reschedule.
We rented a van with Million Mile Adventures. So we stayed at the Talkeetna Camper Park. This was a great stop to refresh at since they had showers, Wi-Fi and laundry. It is also a short walk into town so we did not have to move our campervan to go into town for meals.
Camping
We rented a van with Million Mile Adventures. So we stayed at the Talkeetna Camper Park. This was a great stop to refresh at since they had showers, Wi-Fi and laundry. It is also a short walk into town so we did not have to move our campervan to go into town for meals.
Hotels and Inns
If not camping, hotels, inns and AirBnBs are great options. This town is small and books up fast!
Which Tour Did We Do?
We booked the Mountain Voyager with a glacier landing in our original tour. Due to weather our tour ended up being a little different. If you read above you might know we rescheduled, even after rescheduling the weather was still not the greatest. So they wanted us to give us the best tour we could get, this meant the South Side Explore was the best for the clear views and smooth ride. So they refunded us the difference between the tours.
All the changes sounds stressful and confusing but it did make me love working with Talkeetna Air Taxi even more. They truly wanted us to have the best tour we could have, and refunded us the difference between the two tours as well. It is one of the reasons I will always recommend them.
The Plane Tour
Checking In
Once you arrive at their location you will need to check in first. You will enter the charming cabin. We went during the summer of 2021 and there were still mask rules for public transportation. If this is the case for air travel when you go you will need to wear a mask in their lobby and on the plane tour.
When deciding if we wanted to reschedule our flight or not we spoke to the front desk. They were helpful in showing maps, 3D models and more about how our flight might change due to weather. They let us take our time and ask any amount of questions that we had.
After checking in for our flight we went to the back and waited for the rest of our flight members and our pilot to get on our plane.
Loading
Before loading the pilot will go over some safety rules, tips and flight expectations. When loading it doesn’t really matter which side of the plane you are on. They fly in a figure 8 type of loop through the mountains, so each side of the plane gets to see all of the views. All of the seats are window seats too!
Streams and Valley
At first you will need to head into the mountains first. The flight will be over a bunch of braided rivers and lush green grass. You will fly through this on the way out of the mountains as well.
Into the Mountains
This is when you get to the good stuff. The views are breathtaking and I immediately realized how worth it this type of tour is. We saw countless glaciers, hang glaciers, mountain peaks, waterfalls, glacier pools and more. My favorite was spotting out the bright blue glacier pools.
Our pilot was so great, he pointed out different sights, gave us information on the landscapes and fun facts, and he was humorous too.
Glacier Landing
When we first got on the plane they told us they couldn’t promise us a glacier landing, they would have to see the weather and fog once we were up there. I wasn’t expecting it but towards the end of the tour they gave us clearance and our pilot took the opportunity! And it was so cool! The landing was much smoother than I thought it would be.
Once you have landed you have a chance to get out, walk around, and take some photos. You won’t be able to go too far as you are only given about 20 minutes to walk around.
Is Landing on a Glacier Worth It?
Yes! There are not many times you can say you have walked around on a glacier. Plus the view gives you a still moment to really take in how vast and beautiful these mountains are.
Tips For The Plane Tour
Bring Layers
It could be warm getting on the plane but the inside of the plane gets a little chilly once in the mountains. If doing a glacier landing it is a colder temperature there as well. I would wear a light rain jacket just in case
Bring Good Shoes
We wore hiking shoes, but make sure you have something with a good grip and that your feet are fully covered to walk on the glacier.
Bring A Fully Charged Camera
You will want to take lots of photos, make sure you have a good battery charge and lots of storage.
Be Flexible
As mentioned before, the mountains have their own weather systems. And Talkeetna Air Taxi cannot control the weather. If possible when booking, leave your entire day open in case of delays. And maybe even stay in the area more than one night so you can reschedule if needed.
Other Things To Do In The Area
Explore the charming town of Talkeetna. It is a small town but so cute. Lots of great shops and restaurants. We enjoyed everything we ate in the small town.
Raft the Down the River with Talkeetna River Guides.
Go fishing with Phantom Tri-River Charters.
Go hiking! We didn’t have good weather to go on this hike, but K’esugi Ridge looked amazing!
Other Articles You May Be Interested In
Savage Alpine Trail in Denali National Park
Horseshoe Lake Hike in Denali National Park
What To Do At the Eielson Visitors Center
3 Days In Denali National Park Itinerary
Lost Lake Hike Near Seward and Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska
Exit Glacier and Harding Icefield Hiking Guide
Renting A Campervan in Alaska: Million Mile Adventures
This looks completely amazing!
It was! So glad we did it!