Introduction
One of the most notable - albeit quirky in relative terms to what we see today from around the globe - airports located at San Juan-Uganik-Seaplane Base (IATA: UGI) on Alaska's Kodiak Island, is a magnificent hub and portal connecting deep rural access with flights back into modern casual civilization. A private seaplane base set up by the San Juan Fishing & Packing Co. has a truly unique aviation offering of soaring through Alaskan wilderness landscapes on your way to or from Bear Camp.
Airlines and Destinations
Scheduled passenger service is available to Kodiak, AK - San Juan-Uganik-Seaplane Base primarily has flights provided by Island Air Service. There are proposals to change the EAS program and communities, such as those near Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport (ITH) that receive EAS funds in order for airlines like United Express to provide essential air service at some smaller cities where passengers may not be able or willing to fly.
Airport officials hope you who live around here will show up, as this is important.
Total Passengers and Flights
Though the San Juan-Uganik Seaplane Base does not see passenger counts or flights on its runways at levels that are reported in most airports, it is critical infrastructure connecting residents and far-flung communities of Kodiak Island. The Essential Air Service program guarantees that the airport continues to get daily service, with planes landing every weekday.
How to Get Here
Getting to the San Juan-Uganik-Seaplane Base can be an interesting adventure. The airport is situated 17 miles (28 km) away from the city of Kodiak, but as a seaplane base it has no direct road connection; all access in and out must be made by air. Travelers must come to this hidden, serene getaway by purchasing a plane ticket through Island Air Service or other licensed carriers.
Parking
San Juan-Uganik-Seaplane Base (WSJ) has no conventional parking lots as it is mainly oriented to seaplanes. Cars, as well as the buses Baja California Sur sends for its guests in other destinations, will be hosted during their stay using any transportation system to arrive.
Transportation Price
The Seaplane Base at San Juan-Uganik provides mainly scheduled passenger service and is subsidized under the Essential Air Service program, which was created to guarantee that smaller communities served by certificated air carriers were not denied access. The cost is relatively inexpensive compared to the usual fare for your flight, depending on route and carrier.
Terminal Layout
Passengers now refer to this as Kodiak Airport and Uganik Seaplane Base instead. As a seaplane base, San Juan-Uganik-Seaplane Base had no traditional terminal. Rather, the facility is built with seaplane operations in mind, so as to ease and make safer boarding/deboarding for passengers since it also caters and would act only as a defensive response site.
Navigate the Airport
Getting in and out of San Juan-Uganik Seaplane Base is a no-brainer - this facility was built with the needs of seaplane operations specifically in mind. The airport staff and signage will guide passengers from their landing to the relevant departure point.
Getting Between Terminals
San Juan-Uganik-Seaplane Base is a single-terminal facility, so there's no need for passengers to move between terminals. Each of the seaplane bases combines boat arrivals and departures.
Services and Amenities
Being the unique kind of seaplane base also means that San Juan-Uganik-Seaplane Base provides only a few certain services. If you find yourself at the terminal, there are bare essentials for things like a waiting area or restrooms to help with your time spent.
Restaurants and Shops
San Juan-Uganik-Seaplane Base is not near any cafes or shops, so travelers are advised to plan accordingly. Travelers are encouraged to pack food, beverages, and/or necessary supplies ahead of time.
Security and Customs
Safety and Customs: The San Juan-Uganik-Seaplane Base emulates the same security procedures that exist in all U.S. seaplane bases but also offers general safety measures to assure passengers and cargo are afforded proper compliance.
Accessibility
The San Juan-Uganik-Seaplane Base is a base used to operate seaplanes, so it may pose some accessibility challenges for travelers with limited mobility. Guests are encouraged to ask about accessibility needs at the time of booking.
Travel Tips
Part of the San Juan-Uganik-Seaplane Base experience is being ready to face the real Alaskan wilderness. Travelers must be properly attired, have their supplies, and be aware of the weather situations as well as the surrounding area. Also, I advise you to book airlines and transportation well in advance, as everything can book up very quickly, especially around New Year's celebrations.