Raleigh to Anchorage

Introduction

Traveling to Alaska is a thrilling adventure, but the journey to get there can be equally important. From choosing the right hotel near the airport to navigating long flights and busy airports, your travel experience sets the tone for your trip. In this post, we’ll share how we maximized comfort and convenience during our journey from Raleigh to Anchorage, including tips on hotel stays, flight arrangements, and airport navigation.

Choosing the Right Hotel: A Smart Start

Our trip began with an overnight stay at the Holiday Inn Express near Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). Opting to stay near the airport was a strategic choice for several reasons. The room cost was less than what we would have paid for long-term parking at the airport, making it a budget-friendly option. Additionally, with a 7:30 AM flight, being just minutes away from the airport allowed us to get there by 5:30 AM, ensuring a stress-free start to our day.

Although the hotel’s breakfast service hadn’t started yet, we were able to catch an early shuttle to the airport. This saved us time and hassle, allowing us to breeze through TSA and grab a quick bite at the airport before boarding.

Flying Comfortably: Economy Comfort for Long Flights

Our non-stop flight from Raleigh to Seattle with Delta Airlines was nearly six hours long, but it felt much shorter thanks to the amenities provided. We flew in Delta’s Economy Comfort class, which was a great choice, especially for my wife, who has mobility challenges. The extra legroom allowed her to keep her legs reasonably straight, making the journey more comfortable.

Even though I ended up in the middle seat—a position I usually avoid—my granddaughter enjoyed the window seat, making the flight more enjoyable for her. The in-flight entertainment and meal service helped pass the time, and before we knew it, we were touching down in Seattle.

 Navigating Seattle-Tacoma International Airport: A Memorial Day Challenge

Upon arrival in Seattle, we needed to switch airlines for our connecting flight to Anchorage. Since I had used points to book our Delta flights and a mix of a free companion fare and points for Alaska Airlines, we had to exit the secure area to claim our bags and check them in again for the next leg of our journey.

Unfortunately, this happened on the Friday of Memorial Day Weekend—a notoriously busy travel day. After checking in our bags with Alaska Airlines, we faced a daunting 90-minute wait to get through TSA security again. The line was massive, resembling the winding queues you’d find at a theme park, with endless sections that seemed to stretch on forever.

Despite the long wait, we finally made it through security and had enough time for a relaxing lunch in the terminal before our flight to Anchorage. Just when we thought we were in the clear, an announcement was made that our flight was delayed due to a mechanical issue, requiring a gate change.

While this added some extra waiting time, we eventually boarded and were on our way north to Alaska. The delay was a minor inconvenience compared to the excitement of reaching our

Navigating Seattle-Tacoma International Airport: A Memorial Day Challenge

Upon arrival in Seattle, we needed to switch airlines for our connecting flight to Anchorage. Since I had used points to book our Delta flights and a mix of a free companion fare and points for Alaska Airlines, we had to exit the secure area to claim our bags and check them in again for the next leg of our journey.

Unfortunately, this happened on the Friday of Memorial Day Weekend—a notoriously busy travel day. After checking in our bags with Alaska Airlines, we faced a daunting 90-minute wait to get through TSA security again. The line was massive, resembling the winding queues you’d find at a theme park, with endless sections that seemed to stretch on forever.

Despite the long wait, we finally made it through security and had enough time for a relaxing lunch in the terminal before our flight to Anchorage. Just when we thought we were in the clear, an announcement was made that our flight was delayed due to a mechanical issue, requiring a gate change.

While this added some extra waiting time, we eventually boarded and were on our way north to Alaska. The delay was a minor inconvenience compared to the excitement of reaching our destination.

We arrived in Anchorage at about 5:00 PM local time. The hotel was supposed to provide a shuttle, but theirs was out of service, so the paid for the taxi fare from the airport to the hotel.

Arriving in Anchorage: Final Leg of the Journey

We arrived in Anchorage around 5:00 PM local time, tired but relieved to have made it. Our hotel, Staybridge Suites, was supposed to provide a shuttle service from the airport, but due to their shuttle being out of service, they kindly covered our taxi fare.

The Staybridge Suites was a brand new hotel, offering a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere after a long day of travel. Too tired to venture out for dinner, we opted for Thai food delivery, which turned out to be an excellent choice. A quick trip to Walmart across the street for a few necessities completed our evening.

By this time, we had been awake for nearly 20 hours and were more than ready to call it a night. We knew we had to rise early the next morning to catch our train from Anchorage to Seward, marking the next chapter of our Alaskan adventure.

Our accessible room at Saybridge Suites.

Conclusion

Planning and attention to detail made our long journey to Alaska as smooth as possible. From choosing the right hotel and flight class to navigating airport challenges, each decision contributed to a more comfortable and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re heading to Alaska or another destination, these tips can help you optimize your travel experience, so you arrive relaxed and ready for your adventure.