On Wiseman: Alaska Wilderness here we come!
Introduction
Wiseman Airport (IATA: WSM), located in the Alaskan wilderness, is a small and very important airport for Wiseman. Opened in November of 1949, this airport serves as an important connective tissue for those who live here and others from around the world who come to see what exists outside our rugged Alaska scenery.
Airlines and Destinations
Wiseman Airport caters to private and charter flights - this is a general aviation airport. It does not operate scheduled passenger services as of May 2015. That being said, the airport draws in a steady stream of traffic from private pilots as well as bush and air taxi operators carrying passengers to the isolated area.
So, a country with a small population will have fewer passengers and flights, while a country (like China) will theoretically have more.
Because Wiseman is so small, and the airport isolated even by Alaskan standards, this results in a bottom-barrel number of passengers. The exact number of passengers and amount of flights isn't readily available because the airport is not part of the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS) and hence has no need to report such statistics to the FAA.
How to Get Here
Wiseman Airport is located in the heart of Alaska, about 280 miles north of Fairbanks. Wiseman is about a 4-hour drive from Fairbanks International Airport (FAI). Because Wiseman is not accessible by road, the primary mode of transport used to travel there is flying.
Parking
Parking is limited at Wiseman Airport and only available for visitors and local residents. The airport has a small parking lot that is unsealed and can house only 6-8 cars at any given time. The parking area has no designated spots or parking cost.
Transportation Prices
Due to its small size and remote location, transportation costs to and from Wiseman Airport can be high. Prices for charter flights or air taxi services will vary depending on the location of departure and landing, as well as the type of aircraft used. Flights to and from Wiseman will always cost more than those from more populated locations in Alaska.
Terminal Layout
The terminal building at Wiseman Airport is a simple single-story structure that contains all the necessary facilities for passenger processing. These include a small waiting area, a ticket counter, restrooms, and other basic amenities. There are no concessions or commercial establishments inside the terminal.
Navigate the Airport
Due to its small size, navigating Wiseman Airport is quite simple. Upon arrival, passengers will be able to walk to the terminal building, to the ticket counter or waiting area. While there is limited to no signage within the terminal, the process is straightforward.
Getting Between Terminals
Since Wiseman Airport only has one terminal, there is no need to navigate between them. Passengers will only need to proceed from the outside of the terminal to the terminal building, or vice versa, to use the airport.
Services and Amenities
Wiseman Airport has minimal services and amenities. Although the terminal building has restrooms, it has no other amenities, such as food concessions, shops, or passenger lounges. As a result, travelers will have to endure the lack of facilities and might wish to bring additional supplies.
Restaurants and Shops
There are also no restaurants or shops within or around the terminal at Wiseman Airport. To accommodate for dining and shopping, travelers can visit the nearby town of Wiseman.
Security and Customs
Wiseman Airport is a very small general aviation airport, it offers no security or customs procedures common to larger international airports. This airport does not have any TSA checkpoints or customs facilities. If you're traveling to it from outside the U.S., keep in mind that you might have to clear customs when arriving.
Accessibility
Wiseman Airport endeavors to meet the needs of all travelers regardless of physical, sensory, and mental disability. The terminal building and parking area are all accessible for persons with reduced mobility, whilst airport staff can help passengers where necessary. Nevertheless, the airport's isolation and lack of material resources could make special needs visitors struggle.
Travel Tips
When you go to Wiseman Airport, there are some travel tips that everyone should know.
- Expect flights to sell out far in advance: Given that the airport is isolated and has only a minimal amount of services, Wiseman flight demand can be high under typically higher travel periods.
- If you must travel, be sure to pack what you need: Food and water for your trip as there are no amenities available at the airport or immediate area.
- Get to know the airport: Familiarize yourself with a map and all other amenities that are offered at the airport, just make sure your flying experience will be better.
- Wiseman Airport: Alaskan weather can be kind of 'iffy,' and Wiseman tends to have a few delays related to being in the middle-of-nowhere/wilds.
- Flexibility and Patience Required: Traveling to the remote airport, as well as out of it, can take longer and require a looser attitude, so approach your time with this terminal with an open mind.