Fairbanks International airport Vs Anchorage (leasing, cost, military)

[Iowariverkid98]

I plan on flying up next month to sign leasing paperwork and file W-2 information for my job. I plan on renting a car for a few days, but I read online that the airport in Fairbanks is really bad. It flying into anchorage a safer bet, then driving north? What are you thoughts?

[Arktikos]

Bad in what way? Flying into Fairbanks is plenty safe, definitely safer than driving the highway between the two cities.

If interested in touring around a bit, you could check out flying into one airport (FAI) and out of the other (ANC) if this wouldn't raise your rent a car cost.

[Iowariverkid98]

Originally Posted by Arktikos

Bad in what way? Flying into Fairbanks is plenty safe, definitely safer than driving the highway between the two cities.

If interested in touring around a bit, you could check out flying into one airport (FAI) and out of the other (ANC) if this wouldn't raise your rent a car cost.

I’ve read that there are often delays, lost luggage and extra fees. Like everything there’s two sides of a story, just trying to pick the true one. I will not be site seeing, as I just need to get the keys to my place and fly back to Iowa ASAP for work.

[akpls]

I'm not sure where you're getting your info, but in 20-some years of flying out of Fairbanks I can recall only being significantly delayed ONCE. And that was on Delta when their whole computer system went down. Most delays out of Fairbanks are caused by delayed arrivals from inbound flights. I have never lost a piece of luggage into or out of Fairbanks, and IMO, flying into Fairbanks is safer than flying into Anchorage....waaaay less winds to deal with. I find driving the Parks Highway much scarier than flying, but if you would rather drive for ~6 hours from Anchorage have at it.

[Parnassia]

Originally Posted by Iowariverkid98

I’ve read that there are often delays, lost luggage and extra fees. Like everything there’s two sides of a story, just trying to pick the true one. I will not be site seeing, as I just need to get the keys to my place and fly back to Iowa ASAP for work.

Those things can happen anywhere at any time. Don't know what the "extra fees" would be. FWIW, I've flown out of both and have been delayed at both due to weather (fog/visibility, icing, high wind). Can't do much about that. I'd just plan lots of flex time between my connecting return flights. The tighter the schedule the more the entire thing can go haywire. You're covering a lot of ground back to Iowa. Getting stuck behind a two car accident on the Parks can also blow your schedule quite nicely.

[royalabran]

Originally Posted by Iowariverkid98

I plan on flying up next month to sign leasing paperwork and file W-2 information for my job. I plan on renting a car for a few days, but I read online that the airport in Fairbanks is really bad. It flying into anchorage a safer bet, then driving north? What are you thoughts?

totally anecdotal but...
I've been in Fairbanks for 12 years this was the last of 14 military moves FAI has been one of the more pleasurable airport experiences. I also like Alaska Air

[cjs123]

I've flown into and/or out of Fairbanks International on five trips and it was just fine.

[Northrick]

If you are going to Fairbanks, fly to Fairbanks. It's really that simple.

[Frostnip]

Fairbanks International is way easier to get in and out of than Ted Stevens because it's so small. I've never waited in line for more than a few minutes there. There are only 4 gates.

If you're only staying a few days, why check baggage anyway?

[AKStafford]

At the job I just left (after 10 years) we flew our field techs into and out of Fairbanks several times a week and they didn't have anymore problems there than anywhere else.
You should be fine. Especially when you consider the cost and time of the drive between Anchorage & Fairbanks.