The Wonders of Alaska Begin at St. Mary's Airport
Introduction
In the heart of Alaskan wilderness lies St. Mary's Airport (IATA: KSM, ICAO: PASM), a nicely laid out airport that is small but crucial for the connection of St. Mary's to statewide and national destinations, making it important to locals as well as tourists. (And it was half of the inspiration for our Giant Skiing Adventure, if you fancy seeing a bit more.) All in all, a divine way to make your journey feel, well - I daresay it - an adventure.
Airlines and Destinations
The longest flight to St. Mary's Airport (PMY) is 273 miles, and the shortest domestic route from it takes you only 31 miles. They are served primarily by Ravn Alaska, a regional airline that links St. Mary's with other areas in the state, requiring convoluted routing through one of two larger hubs, also under extremely restricted conditions determined largely based on mail recipient address.
This table gives out how many passengers flew in and out of the airport on how many flights.
With a small regional airport such as St. Mary's, the number of passengers and flights is lower than at larger international airports. But the airport itself is an important gateway for air transportation, serving local residents and regional visitors.
How to Get Here
St. Mary's Airport is located about 4 miles (6 km) west of the central business district in St. Mary, Alaska. The airport can be reached via private cars and taxis, as well as local transportation services.
Parking
For travelers driving in, parking is available at the airport with options for short-term and long-term use. It is always a good idea to check the airport website or contact them directly for the most accurate information, as there may be fluctuations in parking rates and availability.
Transportation Prices
Transport to and from St. Mary's airport can vary in price based on the service used, as well as the distance traveled. There are taxis, Uber, and Lyft-type services that operate on competitive pricing, with a few dollars for short trips, usually increasing the more distance you go.
Terminal Layout
St. Mary's is a small regional airport, and the terminal encompasses just one main building, which contains check-in facilities, security checkpoint, and passenger waiting area. A user-friendly and efficient terminal layout leads to a seamless passenger experience.
Navigate the Airport
Of course, finding your way around St. Mary's airport is a full no-brainer! The signposting is clear in the terminal, and staff are on hand to help passengers with any questions or worries. This way, passengers will be able to easily find the right check-in counters, security luggage checks, and boarding gate.
Getting Between Terminals
As St. Mary's Airport has a single terminal, you won't need to worry about transfers between terminals. Passenger services are located in the main terminal.
Services and Amenities
The small size of this airport means that amenities are limited here, however, St. Mary's does provide some services for travelers, such as:
- A small lobby
- Bathrooms
- Several standing food options
Restaurants and Shops
Food and shopping choices are very limited at St. Mary's Airport, primarily a small café or snack bar on site for eats and drinks. Travelers seeking a greater wealth of dining and shopping will have to journey into the neighboring town of St. Mary's.
Security and Customs
St. Mary's is a domestic airport and has no customs facility, which means U.S. Immigration & Customs have to clear passengers on the island of their outgoing flight from St. Mary's, so it poses an opportunity for quick-changing winds! But before boarding, they will have to go through regular security screening. Airport staff is well-trained to ensure a fast and easy security procedure.
Accessibility
The staff at St. Mary's Airport aims to make the entire facility accessible for every single passenger using its services as much as possible. The terminal is constructed to be friendly for passengers with disabilities and features things such as handicapped parking spaces, ramps, and accessible bathrooms.
Travel Tips
If you'll be traveling through St. Mary's Airport soon, we advise giving yourself plenty of time to check in at the major function, pass security, and get to your gate. Also, be ready for the unusual weather in this part of remote Alaska and dress warmly.