Rusts or Alaska Air

Question

We want to take a sightseeing flight from Anchorage to Denali. Both of these companies provide that service at the same price. Trying to decide if one is preferable to the other. Rusts has a 10:30 am and a 1:30 pm flight. Alaska Air only goes in the afternoon -- 2:00 onwards. Alaska Air has more friendly policies -- a 50% deposit and cancellable until 2 days before. Rusts takes 100% and will refund 50% from day 90 to day 15. If both companies are equal, I would choose Alaska Air. I am hoping to get feedback about any other differences or other things to consider -- is going at 10:30 a better bet than 2:00?

This is the end of our trip and we will be on a cruise. We are staying one night to do this.

Thank you for your help

Answer

Both Rust’s Flying Service and Alaska Air offer excellent sightseeing flights from Anchorage to Denali, and at the same price, your choice will largely come down to scheduling preferences, booking flexibility, and potential sightseeing conditions.

Here are some factors to consider when deciding:

Flight Time: Morning flights, like Rust’s 10:30 am departure, are often preferred for sightseeing because the weather tends to be calmer and clearer in the morning. Afternoon flights can occasionally encounter more clouds, haze, or wind, although this is not guaranteed. Flying at 2:00 pm with Alaska Air may carry a slightly higher risk of reduced visibility, especially if you’re near Denali in May or early summer when afternoon cloud build-up is common.
Booking Policies: Alaska Air’s 50% deposit and cancellable policy until 2 days before is more flexible and less financially risky, especially if your cruise schedule or weather conditions might force changes. Rust’s requires full payment upfront and only refunds 50% if canceled between 90 and 15 days before, which is less flexible.
Experience and Aircraft: Both companies use small aircraft suitable for sightseeing. Rust’s has decades of experience in Alaska bush flights and may offer slightly more personalized local knowledge, though Alaska Air also has a strong reputation and professional pilots.
Convenience and Connections: Since this is the last night of your trip and you are on a cruise, Alaska Air’s later flight may be more convenient if your arrival in Anchorage is late in the morning or if you want a more relaxed start to the day. Conversely, a 10:30 am Rust’s flight gives you more time to enjoy the scenery without rushing to return to Anchorage for an evening cruise departure.

In summary, if both companies are equal in price and experience, Alaska Air’s more flexible cancellation policy is a significant advantage. However, if maximizing the chance of clear views of Denali is your top priority, the 10:30 am Rust’s flight might be slightly better, as morning flights often encounter clearer skies. Consider your arrival time in Anchorage, how relaxed you want the day to be, and your tolerance for weather risk.

Morning flights (Rust’s 10:30 am) = potentially clearer skies, better for photography.
Afternoon flights (Alaska Air 2:00 pm) = more flexible booking, but slightly higher risk of clouds or haze.
Booking flexibility = Alaska Air is safer if you may need to cancel or adjust due to cruise delays or weather.

Overall, if the flexibility and reduced financial risk are most important, Alaska Air is a solid choice. If seeing Denali in the clearest possible conditions is more important than flexibility, Rust’s 10:30 am may offer a slight advantage.

Rusts or Alaska Air

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