Anchorage Airport (ANC) Flights & Information

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) is the central air transportation hub for Alaska, connecting southern regions of the state to numerous domestic and international cities. The state's vast size and rugged terrain have fostered a long-standing reliance on aviation, dating back to Alaska's first flight on July 4, 1913.

The airport is serviced by more than a dozen domestic and international passenger carriers, such as Air Canada, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines. If you’re flying to or through ANC, use this airport guide with expert tips and guidance to make the most of your time here.

Airport overview

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is organized into 2 terminals: North and South. The South Terminal is dedicated to domestic flights and features 3 concourses: A, B and C. In contrast, the North Terminal, which consists of a single concourse (N), is designated for international flights and cargo and charter functions. A shuttle bus conveniently connects the 2 terminals before security.

Despite its modest size, the airport offers a variety of amenities, including numerous dining options, retail shops, and cultural exhibits. Art enthusiasts will enjoy the free Art in Public Places galleries. These galleries showcase pieces by notable Alaskan artists such as Sylvester Ayek and Nathan Jackson. They can be found in the Mezzanine of Concourse C and the Northern Lights Corridor, which houses light-sensitive artworks.

Within the South Terminal, the Alaska Sports Hall of Fame display is a highlight. Here, you can learn about legendary dog mushers like Susan Butcher and George Attla, as well as Olympic medalists Tommy Moe and Kristen Thorsness.

Getting to and from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport

Navigating transportation options to and from ANC is straightforward and convenient. The People Mover bus service provides an affordable and hassle-free way to travel to the airport, connecting key locations throughout Anchorage.

Several shuttle services are available for those seeking a more private and timely travel experience. For more flexibility, consider using taxi services such as Independent Taxi or Alaska Yellow Cab. You can also opt for rideshare services, including Uber and Lyft, which have designated pickup areas.

Considering Alaska’s expansiveness, I recommend renting a car from companies such as Hertz, Avis or Enterprise. Rental car providers are conveniently located opposite the South Terminal in the Rental Car Center. With the airport just an 8-minute drive from downtown Anchorage, you’re well-positioned to explore notable attractions in and outside the city ranging from Whittier to Denali National Park, all within a 4-hour drive.

Security lines at ANC

At Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, security wait times are generally short, thanks partly to advanced technologies such as facial recognition and digital displays that provide real-time updates at each checkpoint. Although the displayed wait times are estimates and can fluctuate based on several factors, you should still arrive well ahead of your flight – typically 2 hours for domestic and 3 hours for international flights – to accommodate security screening and airline check-in procedures.

All security checkpoints offer TSA PreCheck lanes, further streamlining the screening process. With TSA PreCheck, my security process rarely lasts longer than 10 minutes, and it’s wonderful not to have to remove my liquids, laptop or shoes during screening. The airport does not offer Global Entry or CLEAR, a fee-based membership program that expedites security screenings at select US airports.

ANC dining options

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport offers diverse dining options including well-known chains and local eateries serving Alaska’s unique cuisine. Before passing through security, you can visit the Upper One Lounge for its delicious bar food and refreshing drinks. For those searching for a quick caffeine and pastry fix, familiar favorites such as Starbucks and Cinnabon have locations at the airport.

Travelers eager to experience local Alaskan cuisine should not miss the Norton Sound Seafood House. This standout restaurant, with its notable airplane decor on the roof, specializes in locally sourced seafood. For more local fare, consider Humpy’s Great Alaskan Alehouse or the 49th State Brewing Company, both offering fresh seafood complemented by a house selection of craft beers.

For a quick meal on the go, Alaska Dog Haus serves Alaskan sausages, hot dogs, fries and beverages, along with unique offerings like halibut and salmon burgers. If you need a convenient grab-and-go option, Kobuk To Go provides a variety of snacks and ready-to-eat meals.

Airport lounges

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport offers 2 main lounges for travelers. The first is the Alaska Lounge located in Concourse C. This lounge is uniquely available to Alaska Airlines passengers and members of applicable lounge programs like Priority Pass.

Frequent flyers with Alaska Airlines may also consider purchasing an annual Alaska Lounge membership that grants access to the network of Alaska Airlines lounges. Access to the Alaska Lounge is also extended to business and first-class ticket holders on Alaska Airlines, select Oneworld members and Alaska Airlines elite members.

The second lounge at ANC is the Atwood Military Lounge, situated in Concourse A. Operating from 8 am until midnight, this lounge provides complimentary access to military personnel with a valid military ID and includes amenities such as snacks, drinks and a children's playroom.

Wi-Fi and other services at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport

ANC provides complimentary Wi-Fi through the “ANC FREE WIFI” network. Upon arrival, you can explore a range of retail stores, including several Hudson News stores, offering convenient access to books, magazines and snacks. Mosquito Books has an even broader selection of books and magazines.

For travelers seeking personal care services, Benefit Express provides a selection of duty-free cosmetics and skincare products, and there's even a barber shop located before the security checkpoints. The Northern Lights Spa offers an opportunity for relaxation with various massages, facials and spa treatments. Outdoor enthusiasts can find functional and stylish gear at Gear Up AK, featuring items from the famous Grunden brand.

If you're in search of Alaska-themed treats and souvenirs, the Anchorage Marketplace, Moosetique, AK & Co. Gourmet Market, and Local Alaska Rustic Market provide an eclectic mix of local products, including food, clothing and gifts.

Mercantile showcases the works of more than 60 Alaskan artisans, offering unique pieces such as carvings, jewelry, masks and pottery. Art lovers will appreciate Aurora Artistry’s curated selection of Alaskan-made art and jewelry. Other unique gift options can be found at Mooselaneous and Sourdough Mercantile, which offer an impressive collection of Alaskan books, magazines and distinctive gifts.

I enjoy picking up Alaskan-themed gear, like T-shirts, and purchasing local delicacies like birch syrup and smoked salmon when visiting the airport.

Things to do during a long layover

The possibilities are endless with an extended layover at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. Learn about Alaska’s indigenous traditions at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Take a trolley tour, where you might spot wildlife like moose, and visit Earthquake Park, the site of the largest earthquake in North America, which took place in 1964.

Venturing to the city for a meal is an excellent thing to do. Head to The Kobuk for delicious coffee and decadent fireweed glazed donuts. Southside Bistro is another great choice. This upscale spot offers a formal dining room and a casual bistro area and serves a diverse menu of wood-fired dishes, pastas, steaks and seafood. Just be sure to save room for desserts, such as banana caramel napoleon and peach and raspberry cobbler.

If you visit the city during the weekend, the Anchorage Market features more than 300 vendors selling local products and foods, such as Chaga tea, fireweed honey, bison and reindeer sausages.

The city is a short drive from Chugach State Park. Here, you can participate in activities like hiking, biking, and horseback riding and take in the scenery, including glaciers from various viewpoints. You can also book an animal encounter at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center near Portage or relax at the Nordic Spa at the Alyeska Resort.