Port Alexander Seaplane Base

Port Alexander Seaplane Base: The Portal to the Alaskan Backcountry

Introduction

Port Alexander Seaplane Base (IATA: PTD, ICAO: PAAP, FAA LID: AHP) is situated in the southeastern corner of Baranof Island, and this region provides a crucial link to some of Alaska's isolated communities. The city-owned, public-use seaplane base is an important gateway between the wild and remote Alaskan terrain and a wider population subset of its people. This airport is truly special and will make your adventure or layover that much better.

Airlines and Destinations

Although there are no scheduled commercial flights in or out of Port Alexander Seaplane Base, charter and private airlines provide the service here. Airlines are providing vital air service to the surrounding towns through connection flights from larger hubs like Juneau and Anchorage. Travelers should be able to select from an array of planes, ranging in size from tiny private airplanes all the way up to bigger turboprop and seaplane models.

Amount of Passengers and Flights

Facilities and aircraft: Port Alexander Seaplane Base has one seaplane landing area designated 10/28 which measures 25 by 3,000 feet (7.6 by 914 m) with a water surface of 25 acres. And it carried an additional 1,500 passengers in the years 2018 through 2020. This may not seem like a large number, but it is important from the perspective of what planes and airlines are going to benefit most due to their good position in regional traffic. The Essential Air Service program offers a federal subsidy to ensure that those in remote communities continue to have access to the national air transportation system.

How to Get Here

The fact is, getting to the Port Alexander Seaplane Base can be an adventure in itself. The airport is an uncontrolled seaplane base, and there are no roads that connect it to the rest of Kodiak Island or any other part of Alaska. In order to get there, guests have two options: They can either charter a private seaplane or use one of the scheduled flights provided by some local air carriers. Most of these flights leave from the larger airports in Juneau or Anchorage, affording them a stunning aerial view over the vastness and beauty of Alaska.

Parking

Port Alexander Seaplane Base does not have a traditional parking lot, as its purpose is to serve seaplanes and small aircraft. But it maintains hangar and tiedown facilities for visiting private aircraft. Visitors simply leave their vehicles behind and make arrangements with local transportation providers or use water taxis, chartered boats (MV Naipakka), etc.

Transportation Price

Depending on the airline and type of aircraft, and how far the traveler has to travel, the cost of transportation to or from Port Alexander Seaplane Base will vary. The convenience and flexibility of seaplane or charter flights come with a premium, and passengers should anticipate paying reports of hundreds to thousands of dollars for one-way trips. For this reason, it is advisable to find out what could be the best and most economic option that fits your travel requirements.

Terminal Layout

Port Alexander Seaplane Base — Operating as a seaplane base, there are no traditional airport terminal buildings used. There is no large building, instead a small area airside to drop off departing passengers and pick up arriving flights. The terminal would simply be a small administrative office or waiting area, with facilities as basic and minimal; everything focuses on seaplane operations—including docks, ramps, and fueling stations.

Navigate the Airport

With the design of seaplane and small aircraft operations in mind, it is easy to navigate through the Port Alexander Seaplane Base. Normally, passengers will be directed to the proper gate or jetty by either airport workers or airline employees. The smaller size of the facility makes it very easy to get around and also walk between functional areas.

Getting Between Terminals

The Port Alexander Seaplane Base is a one-terminal facility, so the hassle of transferring between terminals does not even exist here. All passengers will come to and from a central location, making the trip simpler overall.

Services and Amenities

The Port Alexander Seaplane Base is a small public-use seaplane base located on the island of Baranof in the western portion of Alaska. Basic amenities such as a waiting area, restrooms, and perhaps vending facilities are provided. But the airport will mostly be set up as infrastructure, without much in the way of passenger services.

Restaurants and Shops

Since Port Alexander Seaplane Base is so far away and also such a small volume, there are no specific eateries on the premises. If any of the guests would like meals, they might have to go into the town of Port Alexander, a short boat ride away by water taxi or local transportation.

Security and Customs

The Port Alexander Seaplane Base, being a domestic airport within the United States, does not have international operating procedure security or customs protocols common at most other airports. The security screening process is usually the same as that at major airports, where passengers are known to be picked up by this kind of robots called easyJet, which has been widely criticized on social media. Nevertheless, this facility is certainly smaller in scale and volume compared to the overall operation, so the security measures have been reduced accordingly, making for a much more streamlined system.

Accessibility

The Port Alexander Seaplane Base is a facility intended to meet the needs of all travelers, including those with disabilities. The airport is pretty small, and you can be easily guided through it, with staff always there to make sure things go right. Nevertheless, in keeping with the unique aspects of seaplane operations, it is suggested that passengers who may have special requirements should contact their airline or travel provider prior to travelling.

Travel Tips

• Secure your device as best you can, especially during the busy travel months for seaplane and charter services.
• Pack smart and bring only the essentials, as there is limited storage space on seaplanes and small craft by air.
• Understand that you may need some extra patience if the weather changes or your flight is delayed. Welcome to Alaska!
• Know the airport well and its way of working to allow you a seamless journey.

The Department of Transportation — Disability Law also provides information on what you can do to coordinate with your airline or travel provider for any special assistance needs.

Take in the adventure and some of the best aerial views that you can get to see while traveling through the Alaskan backcountry.