Why settle for an ordinary night out when you can make the entire evening an experience? Check out this special offer from The First Class Driver:

This fall, leave the Anchorage driving behind and enjoy a relaxing escape to Girdwood with The First Class Driver’s Girdwood Night Out Special.

Gather your favorite people, plan a memorable dinner, and let your private chauffeur take care of the journey. Enjoy the scenery along the Seward Highway, arrive in style, and savor your evening without worrying about the drive home.

Your Girdwood Night Out — Just $795 per SUV

Your private transportation experience includes:
–Round-trip transportation from Anchorage to Girdwood in a luxury black SUV.
–Up to three hours in Girdwood to enjoy dinner, drinks, and time together (Restaurant arrangements not included).
–Professional private chauffeur service in a black Cadillac Escalade or Lincoln Navigator, subject to availability.
–Convenient pickup and return to your designated Anchorage location.

Make It a Night to Remember

Plan a romantic dinner for two, celebrate a special occasion, or organize a night out with friends.
–Enjoy dinner at local favorites such as Jack Sprat or Double Musky Inn, then relax knowing your ride home is already taken care of.
–No designated driver to coordinate. No need to navigate the road after dinner. Just good company, a memorable meal, and the comfort of private transportation.

Your Evening. Your People. Your Private Ride.

Available for qualifying reservations in October and November 2026, subject to availability.

Visit thefirstclassdriver.com to inquire and book.

The Girdwood Night Out package includes round-trip transportation from Anchorage and up to three hours in Girdwood. Reservations are required. Vehicle capacity and availability apply. Restaurant reservations, meals, beverages, and restaurant gratuity are not included. Additional time, alternate pickup locations, and other requested services may incur additional charges. Offer is valid for qualifying trips completed by November 30, 2026. Advance booking is recommended.

The post Date night in Girdwood: UPGRADED appeared first on Alaska Travelgram.

Count me as a Seattle super-fan. I’ve been traveling to the Emerald City for a long time. Since 1962, actually…when Seattle hosted the World’s Fair and the Space Needle was erected. 

I still enjoy going up the elevator in the Space Needle…and riding the Monorail from Westlake Center. A new addition: the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit…is an amazing collection showing off the work of the museum’s namesake creator: Dale Chihuly. Don’t miss it.

After marveling at the expansive views atop the Space Needle, head toward the water. You’ll run into the Seattle Art Museum’s (SAM) Outdoor Sculpture Park, which is loaded with art and sculpture. Make your way across the railroad track and walk down to the beach. Last time I saw a sea lion frolicking just offshore. It’s a great place to watch the boats on Puget Sound…and to spy the Olympic Mountains on the other side of the water.

Check out “The Charter”, a Hilton property at the corner of 2nd Ave. and Stewart. It’s sandwiched in between Westlake Center and Pike Place Market, so shoppers and eaters both will be satisfied. The rooms are pretty, with huge windows, although the views are basically of the building across the street.

The best views are at the “Fog Room” on the top floor. There, you’ll get a nice view of the waterfront, including Seattle’s Great Wheel, which is lit up at night. The Fog Room boasts “the only year-round outdoor deck”, which is possible because it’s covered in case of rain! Stop in for a beverage and check out the views.

The Charter’s feel is sleek and modern. HHonors members can pay with points. The in-room tv is huge, the wi-fi is fast and free, the bathrooms have big, fluffy towels, there’s a 24-hour in-lobby shop for essentials (and snacks) and the lobby-level restaurant serves up a mighty-fine breakfast. I even used the gym for my pt regimen. I noticed a sauna…but didn’t need the heat. HA

After expliring SAM’s Outdoor Sculpture Park, head south along the waterfront. It’s easy to spend the whole day there. CHeck out the massive Seattle Aquarium. If you brought your passport, you can hop aboard the Victoria Clipper and head up to Vancouver Island for a couple of days.

Or, take a harbor cruise with Argosy Cruises. My favorite? The Ballard Locks cruise on the Goodtime III, which goes from the waterfront to Lake Union.

You can’t miss Seattle’s Big Wheel. If you love the Space Needle’s explansive views (who doesn’t?) you’ll love the pics you can get of the waterfront from this HUGE Ferris Wheel. 

Further down the promenade is the dock for the Washington State Ferries to Bainbridge Island and Bremerton. Even just riding back and forth to Bainbridge Island is a great way to get a beautiful view of the waterfront.

The entire Harbor Steps retrofit following the sinking of the elevated freeway is nothing short of magnificent. Burying the freeway opened up the space between Pike Place Market and the waterfront. It’s glorious. 

Keep walking to Lumen Field (Seattle Mariners) and T-Mobile Park (Seattle Seahawks). The Seahawks will be playing the San Francisco 49ers on Oct. 11.

Awhile back I walked from downtown to Ballard for a taste of “Ballard Bitter” back when Redhook Brewing had their brew-pub there (they’ve since moved to Woodinville, where it was sold to Budweiser (Anheuser-Busch). Since then, the company has changed hands again…it was sold to pot-sellers Tilray Brands .

This time, my trip to Ballard was more wholesome: to see the National Nordic Museum. It’s a great showcase, documenting Seattle’s Scandinavian heritage and the region’s penchant for boats, exploring…and hard work.

In the 19th century, there was a massive out-migration of Scandinavians. This was due in part to political events, as well as agricultural disasters and regional wars. Many of the emigrants came to the U.S. and to the Pacific Northwest. 

At the museum, there are timelines and narratives detailing the Nordic influence in shipbuilding, agriculture, fishing, logging, mining and other  industries based in and around Washington State. It’s worth a visit.

Just outside, there’s a path that leads to the Ballard Locks, which opened in 1917. This path from Puget Sound (saltwater) to Lake Union (fresh water) is an interesting collection of engineering marvels. But it’s fun just to watch the boats come and go! Enjoy the nearby botanical gardens, a small  locks museum from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the surrounding trails. 

Thirsty? I recommend Metier Brewing in Seattle’s Central District. An Alaskan friend recommended this as a meet-up location. The beers and snacks did not disappoint. I opted for a flight of four varieties, including a Kolsch, a pils, a nitro stout and a pale ale. Two thumbs up!

I’ve spent a long time enjoying the museums around Seattle, including the Seattle Art Museum, the Burke Museum, MOHAI, the Museum of Flight, Chihuly Garden and Glass (next to Space Needle).

My new favorite off-beat Seattle museum? That would be the Pinball Museum in the International District.

Pinball played an important role in my own misspent youth, so it was great to relive some of the fun machines that I fed endless quarters into….way before Pong and Pac-Man ever showed up.

Pay one entrance fee ($25) and play endlessly…no quarters required. My favorite was “Wizard”…modeled after “Pinball Wizard” by the Who. Click through for the whole list of games.

Are you going to Seattle? I know you’ll have a great time. Check in with the folks at Visit Seattle for the latest on what to do and where to go in the area. Find their info kiosk inside the Seattle Convention Center…which straddles I-5 on Pike Street. Tell ’em Scott sent you.

The post Hello, Seattle appeared first on Alaska Travelgram.

Here’s a secret: instead of driving from Seattle to either Spokane or Portland, take SeaPort’s swift Pilatus PC-12 (pictured, above). Wait–there’s more. No need to endure SEA-TAC. Fly from Seattle’s Boeing Field and avoid traffic, long lines, expensive parking and…oh yeah…TSA.

About the Pilatus PC-12: Runs like a Swiss watch. Actually, it’s built in Switzerland. One prop, with two on the flight deck. Glass cockpit…take a look when you board. These flights operate between 15,000-20,000 feet, at 300 miles per hour.

BONUS: On arrival in Spokane, no need to wrestle with a $50 taxi ride from GEG into town. SeaPort flies to Felts Field, which is right on the Spokane River, close to downtown. Check with the local Enterprise car rental. They’ll deliver a car for you.

CHECK IN: 20 minutes before take-off. IMAGINE!
FREE PARKING: PINCH ME!

I’ve driven many times between Seattle and Spokane and between Seattle and Portland. Flying is faster and safer. Flying into Portland, SeaPort operates at the PDX Business Aviation center–next door to the main terminal. Small, convenient and efficient. CLICK HERE for more info on car rentals….same deal, tho’: local firms will either deliver a car or have you do the paperwork in advance so they can LEAVE the car for you.

Between Seattle/Boeing Field-AND-Spokane/Felts Field: 70 minutes, from $199 one-way. Up to 4x daily flights Sunday-Friday. No flights on Saturday.

Between Seattle/Boeing Field-AND-Portland/PDX: 50 minutes, from $139 one-way. Up to 5x daily flights Sunday-Friday. No flights on Saturday.

CLICK HERE for reservations and information. Or, call 877-359-1001 (877-FLY-1001). Tell ’em Scott sent you.

The post Take the “Silver Streak” from Seattle’s Boeing Field to Spokane or Portland…up to 5x daily appeared first on Alaska Travelgram.

At a big “investor day” event at its Global Training Center near SEA-TAC, Alaska Airlines outlined plans for its new aircraft and supporting infrastructure.

To review, Alaska Airlines ordered more than 100 of Boeing’s largest version of the 737 aircraft: 737MAX10. These jets have yet to be certified by the FAA. Alaska also has more widebody 787s on order, including some of the larger 787-10 versions. 

To support this multi-billion-dollar order, Alaska plans to increase its premium-cabin offers. That includes lie-flat seats on its new narrow-body 737MAX10s, as well as a fourth class of service in the cabin: “Premium Reserve.” https://news.alaskaair.com/guest-experience/alaska-airlines-and-hawaiian-airlines-unveil-aurora-and-leihoku/ 

Alaska Airlines also plans to integrate the Premium Reserve seats, which are similar to Alaska’s regular first class seats, into their 787 cabins going forward, in a 2 x 3 x 2 configuration.

While the 737s aren’t yet ready, Alaska Airlines already is building out the airport infrastructure to support its new premium-heavy investment. That includes dedicated first class check-in counters at SEA-TAC, as well as newly remodeled lounges in Seattle, Portland and San Diego.

Plans for the wide-body 787s are well-documented:  these are the planes dedicated to international service from the airline’s Seattle hub. Year-round international destinations include Tokyo, Seoul and London. Seasonal summertime flights are scheduled for Rome, Athens and Paris. 

The big influx of 737MAX10s are pegged for transcontinental routes from Alaska Air’s west coast hubs to the east coast. Specific routes and destinations were not announced, but Andrew Harrison, Alaska’s Chief Commercial Officer was clear, saying many of the planes were headed to New York. Harrison said Alaska Air was lagging behind competitors in the important premium market. 

Pending FAA certification, the 737MAX10s will feature 12 “Aurora Suites” in a 1×1 configuration at the front of the aircraft, followed by Premium Reserve seats in a 2 x 2 setup. Further back, the Premium seats with extra legroom are in the standard 3 x 3 configuration. The rest of the plane is filled with economy seating, at 30-31 inch pitch.

The 737MAX10 is a big plane. It’s a heavy one, too, so it doesn’t have the range to serve Alaska’s summer time route between Seattle and Rekjavik, Iceland. Nor can it manage the long seasonal nonstops from Anchorage to JFK or Boston. All of these routes are reserved for the long-distance workhorse of Alaska’s fleet: the 737MAX8.

Harrison did indicate the new planes may touch down in Anchorage on the Anchorage-Seattle run during the summer. While Harrison is hopeful some of the planes will be flying in 2027, the MAX10 still has to be certified by the FAA.

Travelers opting for the fancy Aurora lie-flat seats or the new Premium Reserve cabin will enjoy big video screens to watch selected movies and TV shows. No such luck, though, for passengers in the back. That said, travelers can bring their iPads or phones and stream-their-own with free Starlink service . 

Already, Alaska’s E-175 fleet, operated by its subsidiary Horizon Air, boasts the free Starlink service. Many of the new 737MAX8s also now feature the free wi-fi service. The 737-700s are being retired and won’t be fitted for the satellite service.

As part of the fleet upgrade, Hawaiian Airlines aircraft also will get a make-over, including the wide-body Airbus A330-300. The re-do will include a redesigned lie-flat seat, as well as the Premium Reserve cabin. 

Alaska Air and Hawaiian previously announced the phase-out of Hawaiian’s interisland fleet of Boeing 717 twin-jets. Alaska’s 737s will replace the older, smaller jets.

This week’s announcements were well-received by local Seattle travelers, but there’s a hint of caution for investors: rising fuel costs. The pain-at-the-pump threatens to dampen Alaska’s ambitious profit guidance as a result of its systemwide premium-facing makeover.

Alaska Airlines reported a second-quarter loss of $76 million.

The post Alaska Airlines: big planes + big plans appeared first on Alaska Travelgram.

YES, there are secrets. Secrets for a better deal. A better seat. A better destination. JOIN US on Thursday, September 17, 2026 at the Alaska Aviation Museum for a special TRAVEL SECRETS gathering.

UPDATED: We will re-evaluate Alaska Air’s “ATMOS Rewards” loyalty scheme and what it means for you: elite status, upgrades, credit cards, international flights + partners…THE WORKS!

PRIZES:

Alaska Airlines trip for two anywhere they fly in North America (except Prudhoe Bay).

Annual Subscription to the nearly-world-famous “Airfare 9-1-1” text-to-phone service for HOT airfare alerts. Never miss a hot airfare again!

MORE cool prizes!

…MORE! Must be present to win.

FEAST on pizza and beer (plus root beer!) from Moose’s Tooth.

LEARN the ins and outs of the tools we use to bring you the BEST travel deals (handout).

MEET other travelers from around the world!

BIG CHANGES for frequent flyers. Learn all about it:

REPORT CARD for ATMOS REWARDS, the Alaska Airlines loyalty program (handout)
CREDIT CARD HACKS to jumpstart your points, earn extra perks (handout)
–Why it pays to earn elite status
–Man (and woman) does not travel by air alone: hotels, cars, adventures + more
–Is Airfare 911 for you?
— Q-n-A!

Here is the essential info:

WHO: You and your friends who love to travel.
WHAT: “Travel Secrets” is where travelers gather to learn about the latest, greatest deals and where to find them.
WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026 6-9PM
WHERE: Alaska Aviation Museum, on the shores of Lake Hood, 4721 Aircraft Drive, Anchorage 99502.
WHY: Get actionable news-you-can-use to help you save money and travel better!
HOW: Make your reservations now, as space is limited ($35 for adults. 21+ for this event). CLICK HERE.

The post Travel Secrets: Back to School. Join us for prizes, pizza, stories, games and the INSIDE SCOOP at Alaska Aviation Museum Thursday, Sept 17, 2026 appeared first on Alaska Travelgram.

For the aviation enthusiast in Alaska, you just cannot miss a visit to the Alaska Aviation Museum.

Why do you think we keep having our “Travel Secrets” events there? Because I love it, that’s why. Phyllis Kilgore and her team do a great job taking care of the old birds on the lot–many of them still are airworthy, including the 1943 “Pilgrim”, above. It’s inside in the “Odom Hangar” along with a Grumman Widgeon and a couple of other relics.

Stearman C2B (above). Built in 1928, this aircraft arrived in Alaska in 1929. It crashed in 1937 but has been restored to flying condition.

Taylor “Grasshopper” from 1943, above. This was designed for reconnaissance during World War II.

Another biplane, above….this one on floats.

A two-person reconnaissance plane, above. Note the tandem seating.

A Grumman Goose, above, stands at ease outside the Odom Hangar.

One of Alaska Airlines’ 737-200 “combi” aircraft is on display at the museum. This particular ship, “740AS” flew the historic “Friendship Flight” in 1988 between Nome and Providenya, Russia.

Below, get a bird’s eye view of Lake Hood and a couple of vintage aircraft on the shoreline, including a PBY Catalina (wing over, rough shape)

Don’t miss the chance to channel your inner #AvGeek with a visit to the Alaska Aviation Museum! Remember, we’re hosting “Travel Secrets” there on Thu., Sept. 17, 2026!

The post Alaska Aviation Museum = #AvGeek Heaven appeared first on Alaska Travelgram.

“The sea is the boundless home of the soul.” -Kahlil Gibran

Drive out to Land’s End: it’s five miles to the end of the Homer Spit… in the middle of Kachemak Bay. After checking in…open the window. Look over the beach, the sea and the mountains beyond. Is the moon rising over the mountains? It’s a perfect setting.

Make plans now for your special getaway to Land’s End Resort…it’s just the beginning. Here’s what’s new in September:

The Getaway: It’s a famous package–now with bay view rooms. Enjoy overnight accommodations for two, dinner for two (with wine, beer or NA beverage), access to the beachfront spa/hot tub (with reservations). Prices from $273 for two, starting Sept. 14, 2026. Book online or call (907)235-0400.

“Admiral’s Quarters” (pictured below) available for $299/night in October. Treat yourself and your loved ones! Look out over the expanse of Kachemak Bay. Space is limited so make your reservations early. Save 8.0 percent and book direct: (907)235-0400. BOOK ONLINE.

Land’s End Lodges. Choose from one, two or three-bedroom condos located adjacent to the hotel with incredible views. Each condo is privately-held, so each one has its own special touches.

Fine dining in the Chart Room: Breakfast and dinner every day. Sunday Brunch started Sept. 13.

Below: the moon rises over Land’s End Resort–and Kachemak Bay.

Make your plans today to visit Land’s End. CLICK HERE for details

The post Land’s End Resort in Homer: it’s just the beginning appeared first on Alaska Travelgram.

We publish the e-newsletter once a week…with occasional “extras” if there’s breaking news. Get the best news FIRST!
-Airfares
-Special deals
-Adventures
-Travel tips
-Meet-ups
-Free travel swag from time to time
CLICK HERE.
…and occasionally some nice photos (no guarantees). HA

CLICK HERE.

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SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT Maria Benner checks out a new restaurant in McCarthy: The Great St. Elias Station.

On the final night of our latest trip to our cabin in McCarthy, we decided to check out the area’s newest spot for food and drinks: The Great St. Elias Station, which opened at the end of July. The property features several high-end cabins and a main hall where guests can gather for conversation and meals.

We made a date night of it, beginning with pre-dinner drinks at The Potato. The place was bustling with visitors celebrating epic adventures and locals catching up with one another. From there, we rode our bikes a short distance toward Kennicott before ducking onto the Wagon Trail, which parallels the road. We soon reached a clearly marked turnoff for The Great St. Elias Station.

The Station sits near the terminus of the Kennicott Glacier, in an area locals call “the Toe.” The views of Mount Blackburn, Donoho Peak, Gates Glacier, Root Glacier and the Stairway Icefall are absolutely stunning. It’s not a million-dollar view, it’s a billion-dollar view with today’s inflation.

The main hall makes the most of the setting, with enormous windows and a spacious deck offering an unobstructed panorama. Because it was a beautiful sunny evening, we chose to dine al fresco.

The menu is limited and appears to change as items sell out. An Instagram post that morning featured a brisket plate, veggie kebabs and two kinds of burgers. By the time we arrived around 7 p.m., the Adventure Burger and Classic Burger remained, along with three dessert options.

We chose the Adventure Burger: two brisket patties topped with goat cheese, lettuce, roasted red pepper and special sauce on a brioche bun, served with coleslaw and steak fries. It was delicious, and plenty for the two of us to share. The drinks menu is robust, with craft beer on draft and by the bottle, high-end wines and mixed drinks. The Station has a full liquor license.

As we were leaving, we stopped to chat with an employee who commented that there’s no such thing as date night in McCarthy, because you always run into someone you know and end up talking to them. So true, as we enjoyed the company of a local newlywed couple who invited us to join them at their table.

On the bike ride home, we stopped for a nightcap at the Golden Saloon and talked with more locals on the deck. By the time we reached our cabin, the night was no longer young, and we needed to rest up for an early start back to Anchorage.

I think date night in McCarthy may have to become a new last-night-at-the-cabin tradition.

The post Date Night in McCarthy, Alaska appeared first on Alaska Travelgram.

It was a rainy day when we lined up for the Whittier Tunnel yesterday.

Waiting on the other side was the m/v Bravest, with more than 250 new friends–all ready to explore the glaciers in Prince William Sound.

Phillips Cruises has operated daily cruises into College Fjord for decades–and they have the itinerary fine-tuned for those who want to see more glaciers–faster! 

Along the way, travelers get a peek at the abundant wildlife in Prince William Sound: sea lions, seals, puffins, kittiwakes, bears, eagles…maybe even a whale (we didn’t see any)

Nobody gets seasick on Bravest. It’s guaranteed. As we’re pulling out of Whittier, the staff comes through and delivers some yummy smoked salmon chowder. If you want more, there’s a bar in the back of the boat with more snacks an drinks.

Bravest skims along the water at about 30 knots, which means we approad “Egg Rock” in short order. That’s where you’re likely to see some sea lions hauled out on the rocks. These critters are big–but it’s hard to get a picture with my phone! 

Next stop was a fish bay in Lake Bay, near the southern tip of Esther Island. It’s interesting to see the pens where they keep the fish. But it’s more interesting to see the other critters hoping to grab a stray fish or two….or three. Sea lions. Birds. Bears….we saw them all!

After watching all the critters, the captain turned north to cut through Esther Passage and into College Fjord.

The ice opened up nicely for us. It’s a 30-mile trip up College Fjord to see the massive Harvard Glacier, so he put the hammer down. The rooster tail on Bravest is impressive.

The water was as smooth as glass, which made for some nice photos. As we approached the top of College Fjord with the giant Harvard Glacier, the ship kept bumping into more and more ice…which made for some interesting noises throughout the cruise! 

As the ice got thicker, we could spot more harbor seals on the mini-icebergs. But all eyes were on the face of the glacier to see any big chunks that might calve off and hit the water with a big SPLASH! 

The captain stayed as long as he could at the face of the glacier, until it was time to buzz back to Whittier.

The last stop was the giant kittiwake rookery directly across from the Whittier Harbor. Thousands of kittiwakes make their nests directly on a rock face–which provides good protection from foxes and other predators.

Don’t miss a cruise this summer with Phillips Cruises. Bring your raincoat. Bring your hat and gloves. I was surprised at how warm it was–and there was no icy wind coming from the glacier. But there could have been!! 

The post 26 Glaciers Cruise: Ice is nice appeared first on Alaska Travelgram.