Scammon Bay Airport: Access Point to the Alaskan Inland
Introduction
Scammon Bay Airport (IATA: SCM) is located in the heart of the Alaskan tundra and is an important regional transportation center for the far-away local population. It is essentially the only airport in that corner of Alaska connecting residents with the outside world as well. This airport affords a sense of true beauty and tenacity as you explore or simply pass through to your next destination.
Airlines and Destinations
Scammon Bay Airport: Only a single destination, which is Bethel, AK (84 miles distant). Non-stop flights from Scammon Bay [edit]
The flight time on the two airport routes is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. The only airline that flies from this destination to Bethel is Grant Aviation, a regional company listing 20 destinations in the state.
Mammunition — MAM 1/Viking represents a "sizable" number of passengers and flights now that core services are covering additional demographics.
Because of the limited number and extreme isolation of Scammon Bay, a rather low amount of passenger traffic passes through this airport. But for the people of Bethel, that once-daily flight is a lifeline offering access to critical services and connecting residents with the larger system so they can travel beyond their rural town.
How to Get Here
Located in the southwestern part of Alaska, Scammon Bay Airport is a public airport about 5 miles north of the city center. As a community, the airport is only reachable by air since no roads connect to it. That's because there aren't any roads or other options for ground transportation.
Parking
Parking facilities at the airport are limited for those arriving or departing by private vehicle. A small dirt lot near the terminal building will be put to use for visitors.
Transportation Prices
One-way fares can fluctuate for the Scammon Bay to Bethel flight, dependent upon demand and season. The prices of flights to and from such a remote destination reflect the costs of operating in one of them, so expect to pay a premium that is not unusual.
Terminal Layout
The airport has a terminal building that is used for airline operations such as passenger boarding and disembarking. The terminal is small and utilitarian, essentially doing the job as a regional point of departure for very few passengers.
Navigate the Airport
Passengers will notice how the compact size of the Scammon Bay Airport terminal makes it easy to get around. The wayfinding is easy to follow, directing travelers from the entrance toward the boarding area and other major destinations in the facility.
Getting Between Terminals
As the Scammon Bay Airport has only one terminal, there is no need to move around at different terminals or concourses.
Services and Amenities
Indeed, the airport offers only a small selection of typical regional offerings for services and amenities. There will be any basic facilities such as a waiting area, restrooms, or a small concession, if at all.
Restaurants and Shops
As it is quite far from the city, there are no restaurants or shops as such to eat and drink in the airport premises itself. All travelers will need to plan ahead and come prepared with any food, beverages, or provisions they may require.
Security and Customs
It is a domestic airport in the US that adheres to all TSA security regulations and standards for air travel. Before they fly, passengers will be screened and their baggage checked.
Accessibility
The airport does cater to disabled passengers, although it is advised that everything is limited due to the small nature of the terminal. Passengers with the corresponding special needs should contact (preferably in advance) their airline or the airport directly.
Travel Tips
Scammon Bay Airport is one of the airports with extremely dangerous weather in Alaska. Dress in warm clothing, bring whatever cold-weather gear is required, and be prepared to have a little flexibility with your travel plans as weather can interrupt flight schedules. Remember to pack all your necessary supplies and medications as this is a very remote location, so access, medical or otherwise, could potentially be limited.