Nov. 23, 2021 (ANCHORAGE, Alaska) – Airline travel is taking off for the holiday season! This means crowds of people in the airport and on planes. To avoid frustration, the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) encourages travelers to be prepared and practice patience.
The predicted increase of passenger numbers inevitably brings longer lines at check in and security and more congestion at curb drop off and pick up. Please help keep traffic flowing by using the parking garage (first 30 minutes are free) or the free parking at the cell phone lot (off Aviation Avenue next to the “Upside Down” building) while waiting for your family or friends to collect their luggage and prepare for pick up at the curb.
At no time should vehicles wait on the side of the road heading into the airport. Idling vehicles will not be allowed to wait at passenger pickup unless someone is actively loading. Idling drivers will be directed to circle around or wait in the designated parking areas.
To avoid congestion inside the airport at luggage drop off through security, travelers are encouraged to check the status of their flights well before it is set to take off and to plan to be at ANC at least two hours before departure.
“More and more people are comfortable with returning to their pre-COVID-19 travel habits, which includes visiting friends and family over the holidays,” said Airport Manager Jim Szczesniak. “At ANC we welcome the returning crowds and wish everyone healthy and safe travels from Thanksgiving through New Year.”
The federal mandate requiring masks inside the airport is still in effect. Please plan accordingly by bringing masks with you and wearing them appropriately over both your nose and mouth. For holiday travel tips from TSA, visit https://bit.ly/30UJAC1.
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Media Contact:
Megan A. Peters, Communications Manager
megan.peters@alaska.gov or 907.744.9475
