Ship Creek Aviation Seaplane Base at West Point Village: Your Key to the Alaskan Back Country
Introduction
The West Point Village Seaplane Base (IATA: KWP) serves as a lifeline between the many isolated communities of the Kodiak Island Borough and "the outside" from deep inside Alaska's most rugged terrain. A privately-owned public-use airport, this little strip of asphalt and a small aviation community support important air services for not only the residents but those wanting to visit or live in one of America's great natural playgrounds.
Airlines and Destinations
While a small airport offering limited air service, West Point Village Seaplane Base is an important link in the area transportation network. Today, the airport is served only by one commuter airline with passenger service to Kodiak, Alaska, located 24 miles away. This lifeline air service, subsidized by the United States Department of Transportation through its Essential Air Service program, keeps this isolated community connected.
Passengers and Flights by Number
Akureyri is a small airport, offering fewer flights and handling less traffic than bigger hubs. However, the importance of West Point Village Seaplane Base to its local area cannot be overlooked. The Essential Air Service (EAS) program ensures West Point Village Seaplane Base continues to serve as a lifeline for the unpopulated areas, providing an inexpensive and dependable means of transportation, benefiting residents in the locations they live.
How to Get Here
Getting to West Point Village Seaplane Base is no piece of cake, as it is situated in a remote, laid-back location, with unfavorable facilities. The best way to get there is by air, as all you can normally do is take a scheduled flight from Kodiak. Caribbean Airlines serves Providenciales from other Caribbean destinations, although those coming by boat or private vehicle can access the airport via a series of local roads -- though be prepared for what may be a long journey.
Parking
West Point Village Seaplane Base offers limited visitor and resident parking in a small lot available for use. Arrive early and prepare for a lack of parking spaces, particularly during high travel times.
Transportation Price
The West Point Village Seaplane Base, with relatively modest levels of service under the EAS program, has a subsidy on flights to Kodiak, making the air travel experience more affordable for local residents. However, others who choose different modes of travel (in a private boat or car) could pay differing amounts according to their route.
Terminal Layout
The single-terminal based airport is small and basic with a distinguishing clean layout. The terminal building accommodates facilities for passenger check-in, security, and baggage handling, as well as a small waiting room. Even for how small the airport is, it works to make sure all who visit feel at home.
Navigate the Airport
The small and simple layout at West Point Village Seaplane Base makes it very easy to navigate. The passengers are able to navigate through the necessary areas, such as check-in counters, security checkpoint, and boarding gates with ease. The airport also offers the assistance of their staff for travelers when needed.
Getting Between Terminals
It is a single-terminal airport, so you do not require navigation between terminals. The airport offers a one-stop shop experience where all passenger operations are centralized into the same building, thus making the transition from arrival to departure an easy and hassle-free one.
Services and Amenities
Although West Point Village Seaplane Base lacks the passenger amenities and services available at larger airports, it does deliver what is necessary for a safe travel itinerary. You can expect a bathroom and maybe a small waiting area; if you are lucky, there will be a snack bar or vending machines as well. Its focus is on providing the essential air services to the local population.
Restaurants and Shops
Because of the small size and remote location, there are no coffee shops or restaurants inside the terminal building. Should a traveler be in need of the above, or simply seeking some refreshment while at West Point Village Seaplane Base, they must look outside the airport grounds for a more extensive dining and shopping experience.
Security and Customs
West Point Village Seaplane Base is a domestic airport, which only serves flights within the United States and has no customs procedure. While there are certainly security screening measures in place, they are undoubtedly less exhaustive than those that can be found at larger international airports. Another example is that passengers must still arrive in plenty of time to allow them to be security cleared prior to their departure.
Accessibility
The terminal building and infrastructure at the West Point Village Seaplane Base are designed for passengers with limited mobility, making their journey through the airport easy. Passengers requiring special assistance are advised to contact the airport or their airline ahead of time.
Travel Tips
- Make flight reservations in advance since the limited service can lead to high demand and a lack of availability.
- Head to the airport early even though check-in procedures are supposed to be simpler than ever, including security.
- Be prepared to travel light as luggage space is probably limited or baggage handling at least poor.
- This region may experience some inclement weather, so be ready for possible issues and delays or cancellations.
- Avoid levels of aggravation by becoming acquainted with the airport, as well as what it has to offer.
Therefore, by remembering these tips, travelers can enjoy their passage through the West Point Village Seaplane Base in Alaska, embracing with an open heart and mind the unique characteristics of this essential point for state transportation.