Bethel Airport (BET)
Introduction
Located in the heart of western Alaska's Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta is Bethel Airport (IATA: BET, ICAO: PABE), an essential gateway that serves one of America's most remote regions with a global network. This airport, which serves over 50 villages in the Delta, making it a transportation and commercial hub for them all, is not only just an ordinary landing strip but also known as a lifeline to the local community.
Airlines and Destinations
Bethel is a medium-sized airport in the United States of America with domestic flights only. At the moment, there are 33 domestic flights from Bethel. The longest flight from Bethel is a 247-mile (397 km) non-stop route to Anchorage (ANC) that takes around 1 hour and 11 minutes.
For the 12-month period ending January 31, 2014, this airport had between 10,000 and 49,999 enplanements per year as a primary commercial service airport (called nonhub) by the Federal Aviation Administration. It is listed in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2011–2015, which categorized it as a primary commercial service airport (more than 10,000 enplanements per year).
How to Get Here
Bethel Airport is a state-owned public-use airport located three nautical miles (6 km) southwest of the central business district of Bethel, in the Bethel Census Area of the U.S. There are private vehicles, taxis, and shuttle services that can take you to the airport.
Parking
The airport has car parking facilities for travelers, both short-term and long-term. Please note that rates and availability will differ, so please refer to the airport's official website or reach out to them directly for current information.
Transportation Price
Transportation to and from Bethel Airport will also vary depending on the mode of transportation and distance to be covered. You might need to consider taxi fares, shuttle services, and rental car rates when booking your trip.
Terminal Layout
NOTE: Runway 1L/19R is also used as a taxiway for runway 12/30 and can be identified by not having any markings — Taxi on upper ramp. It is also known as PABE by the ICAO, and BET locally. BET is the airport which has an IATA code.
Navigate the Airport
Finding your way around Bethel Airport is easy due to good signage, and the terminals as well as facilities are also signed. For example, to get onto a plane, passengers need to follow the directional signs and request support from airport employees if necessary.
Getting Between Terminals
Bethel Airport is a one-terminal airport and therefore has no airside terminals. All services and amenities are accessible within the same terminal building.
Services and Amenities
Bethel Airport provides multiple services and amenities for the convenience of passengers. This can comprise the likes of food and drink concessions, retail outlets, as well as other passenger amenities.
Restaurants and Shops
While the specific mix of dining and shopping opportunities will vary somewhat by airport, assuming an adequate selection if you just wait until you get to the gate offers one more example where doing so assures that vendors hit certain sales targets.
Security and Customs
The Bethel Airport is compliant with all regulations up to TSA/Customs standards for domestic flights within the US. Passengers should be at the airport in time to complete all security checks and processes.
Accessibility
The airport prides itself on providing accessible facilities and a host of services for travelers with disabilities or special needs. It is recommended that passengers contact the airport in advance of their travel to discuss specific needs or requirements.
Travel Tips
When possible, you should be scheduling off-peak times such as mid-week to minimize the greatest moments of stress while traveling through Bethel Airport. Getting to the airport early, and knowing what you are going through with regards to security or customs can help facilitate a pleasant travel experience.