Introduction
Situated at the center point of Alaska's rugged coastal terrain, Yakutat Airport (IATA: YAK) is critical to this remote city of just over 700 residents. This state-owned, public-use airport located three nautical miles (6 km) southeast of the city's central business district is a vital link to the outside world for an area that has no road access. Given the importance of air service to this small Alaskan community that depends on it for many aspects of life as well as its status among airports subsidized by the Essential Air Service (EAS) program, access was never in doubt.
Airlines and Destinations
The sole airline with scheduled service at Yakutat Airport is Alaska Airlines, flying to and from Cordova (CDV), Juneau (JNU), and Anchorage (ANC).
Passengers and Flights
In the following years, passenger boardings were as follows: 9,427 (2011), 8,553 (2012) and 7,424 (10 months ending October); in calendar year 2000, Yakutat had been previously listed by the FAA as having over 10,000 boardings annually. The airport was a primary commercial service (nonhub) airport as categorized by the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2012-2016, based on enplanements in 2008. There are 14 flights a week arriving at that airport, or an average of just two per day.
How to Get Here
While there is no cruise ship traffic to Yakutat, it's also one of the easiest places for those interested in exploring Southeast Alaska. Alaska Airlines is the largest airline serving Yakutat. Flights from Seattle, Juneau and Anchorage are the busiest. Yakutat is also accessible by the Alaska Marine Highway System, which links Yakutat to other coastal communities.
Parking
There are affordable parking options for travelers at Yakutat Airport. For the private vehicle-driven, prices begin at $2.75 per day - a friendly option for your wallet.
Transportation Prices
The price of the ground transportation range in cost to and from Yakutat Airport based on mode of travel. Because Uber is not available at Yakutat, for Uber/Lyft passengers: The airport has a dedicated pick-up area just outside Terminals B and C, otherwise it's "arrive & wait". Shuttle services are available from $10-$20 one-way to the city center.
Terminal Layout
The airport itself has one terminal with basic facilities to process passengers and operate the airlines. The terminal is easy to find your way around in because it is quite small and with a lot of straight paths.
Navigate the Airport
The Yakutat Airport is an easy one to get in and out of - with little in the way of terminals or gates. This allows passengers to find their gates, make it through security checkpoints and quickly arrive at other locations in the terminal.
Getting Between Terminals
Yakutat Airport and its single terminal mean passengers do not have to move between the terminals. This facility is responsible for all arrivals and departures.
Services and Amenities
Services and Facilities Offered: Yakutat Airport provides various services and amenities to the travelers. Basic passenger facilities, like restrooms and waiting areas are included as well as options for ground transportation such as taxis and shuttles.
Restaurants and Shops
While the airport dining and shopping options are scarce in number, Yakutat is home to a plethora of local eateries and local shops that spotlight with pride their culture-specific cuisine.
Security and Customs
As this is a domestic airport, the same procedures apply here as in anywhere else. Customs facilities are not available at Yakutat Airport. Nevertheless, standard security screening procedures will continue to remain in place while passengers are preparing for boarding.
Accessibility
Yakutat Airport prides itself on having all the necessary facilities and services in place for travelers with disabilities. The Terminal and its facilities are designed to respond perfectly to the needs of any kind of passenger.
Travel Tips
Since Yakutat is far away and flights are infrequent, you need to plan your trip well in advance. Passengers may expect to arrive at the airport before their scheduled departure, in order for a smooth check-in and boarding procedures. And finally, the weather conditions are quite likely to change at any time.