Johnson said its difficult for a person to check out the safety record of an air charter company before deciding whether a sightseeing trip is worth it. K2 Aviation offers once-in-a-lifetime flightseeing tours among and above the Alaska Range. Our most popular tour, featuring stunning views of the 45-mile-long Kahiltna Glacier. We'll try booking Talkeetna Air First, and do so on the first available/good weather flight as fti suggested above. We are about 2 hours north of Anchorage, and about 2 hours south of Denali National Park. Twice before, four people have died in plane crashes near Americas tallest peak. Here are some records, Man charged in 1994 sexual abuse cold case, Fairview neighborhood to receive $537K in federal grant to reconnect community. The Alaska Air National Guard and Army National Guard also participated in the search and rescue, as did the U.S. Army. Walked over to their shop in town at about 1pm and spoke with Chris, who explained that the weather on the mountain was less than optimum for flightseeing so far that day, and showed us a current computer graphic of the weather system to illustrate the point. Due to the dynamic weather changes in the Alaska Range, we cannot notify customers in advance of cancellations. This flight around Denali is one of the coolest things we did in Alaska. What are the approximate costs for 2 adults for a typical flight seeing trip to view Mt McKinley? The view from Base Camp of Denali (Mt McKinley). Our pilots go through a company-specific training program that is FAA approved. Binoculars can be used on the glacier landings but are not recommended during the flight. Click here for COVID-19 Information and Link to Passenger Screening, 14052 It was cloudy (as usual) so we were thinking that our trip might be a bummer, but boy were we wrong! In February we have fewer visitors and the experience is more intimate than in the summer months. Our office hours are from 7:30 am to 9:00 pm. Thats not our business, quite frankly, said Johnson, who stressed that his independent agency tries to find the cause for an accident, not the safest operator. book the later one and try to change it the day of arrival). United States. Give us a call - we can help you get there. It is then your decision whether to fly or not to fly. McKinley in Denali National Park. Loss for words. Safety The fuselage was "splayed open with blown, packed snow inside.". The oxygen system needs to be approved for use in non pressurized aircraft. Trips available from Whittier, Homer, Seward, Juneau, and Sitka. It is luck of the draw but the pilot was saying our flight was certainly the best that day. Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. Here is how we make it a great experience for K2 Guests. McKinley), and there are a variety of trip styles which include a classic sightseeing tour around the mountain, a flight to the summit, or even a glacier landing. United States. Please comment. Why? Besides the amazing views from above, we made a smooth landing on a glacier where we were able to deplane and snap some awesome photos! The ladies behind the counter said they could get me a sweet discount if I got on a flight that left in an hour. If you have any chance to take this trip - DO IT! We used Talkeetna Air and they made it the best excursion we did our 1st, time. Thanks for your interest in K2 Aviation. Talkeetna Air Taxi 2018-2023 All right reserved |. Williams is being assisted in his investigation byFederal Aviation Administration staffers in Wasilla and Washington, D.C., as well as K2 Aviation. Returning to Princess from Talkeetna: 11:30 am to 7:30 pm every hour on the half-hour (with the last shuttle at 9:00 pm instead of 8:30 pm). Contact her at zhollander@adn.com. Not sure? When a pilot tells you to cancelyou cancel. Do you have suggestions? This is a professional scenic tour, not a thrill ride. We stayed right in Talkeetna so we just simply walked to K2 aviation and essentially walks on the plane. All are long standing well run companies. The ski plane will be all snow- I have plenty of that right now in New York. We're going to Talkeetna (from Indiana) next week! Planning on climbing in the Alaska Range? Weather changes fast and often in Alaska, and sometimes clouds can obscure mountain views. Do I need a reservation, or do you take walk-ins? The glaciers in Denali National Park are like no others in the world. The best of the best in my opinion, having done all that is listed above- probably 10-12 McKinley flights over close to 10 years. "No further information was received before the connection was once again lost.". He even took some amazing photos of us in front of the plane. K2 Aviation does not provide standard tours out of Denali National Park. what is that option ? Catching a ride on a Twin Otter aircraft from Talkeetna, Alaska, to Denali Base Camp on the Kahiltna Glacier. K2 Aviation or Talkeetna Air Taxi are the two companies I'd recommend. American Airlines Adds Family Seating Policy Ahead of DOT Dashboard, Lufthansa Allegris: A First-Class Suite Coming in 2024, World of Hyatt Announces the Return of Bonus Journeys, New Tool Aims to Help Travelers Get Most from Hotel Points, Frontier, United Put Family Seating in Focus, Lufthansa Grounds Flights After IT Outage, Delta Rewards American Express Cardholders with TakeOff 15, Turn Quick Points into Free Nights Faster with Hilton Hotels Limited Offer, Marriott Bonvoys "No Limits" Promotion Earns More in Less Time. Attractive facilities, friendly people, and efficient registration and check-in process. Our location in Talkeetna provides an excellent launching point for your explorations of Denali, the Alaska Range, and Denali National Park. Follow along with the bouncing ball, kids, as our tale unfolds:Pre-booked directly with TAT about a month before leaving for Alaska. If you are staying at MT MCKINLEY Princess Wilderness Lodge, the answer is YES! more. Thanks so much! It was the #1 highlight of our entire trip! He brought our attention to many sites below, identifying main highways, the railway, glaciers, mountains rivers, structures and shared interesting facts about each. We are happy to provide shuttle service to and from local B&Bs, or the Talkeetna Train Station. The flyguys of Talkeetna are a cooperative and close-knit band of brothers who are constantly in radio contact with each other about flying conditions in the area. The K2 Aviation staff is committed to ensuring that you have the best possible experience on your flightseeing tour. Free personal GPSdriven travel guide to Alaska. 14052 E. 2nd Street Talkeetna, AK 99676 Mailing Address K2 Aviation. Our pilots average 12 years of flight experience in Denali National Park. As for discounts, you'll need to check the two books online to see what if either are offering in terms of flightseeing and whether or not they fit into your schedule. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Boutique, small ship adventure cruises in Alaska's Inside Passage, Cruises depart from Whittier, a 1 hr drive from Anchorage. Click here for COVID-19 Information and Link to Passenger Screening. There are several companies that offer flightseeing tours of Denali (Mt. We had 2 Toursaver books so my family of 4 saved $440. The Denali flights from Talkeetna have become increasingly popular, and we cant always accommodate walk-ins. princess Lodge in Talkeetna v Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, where to stop between Seward and Talkeetna. K2 Aviation operates several different types of aircraft, which include the Cessna 185 (4 passengers), the DeHavilland Beaver (6-7 passengers), the DeHavilland Turbine Otter (10 passengers), the Piper Chieftain Twin Engine (9 passengers), and the Cherokee Six (5 passengers). Our glacier landing was as smooth as silk. The company organizes the flightseeing tours of Denali National Park and the Alaska Range. There are floatplane tours in Juneau which fly over the glaciers, as well as helicopter tours with glacier landings and/or dogsledding. I get motion sickness pretty easy but this was not an issue for me. Hi there, we also have a 2.5yr old with us. 24.5K followers. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Everybody at k2 was so friendly and the flight was great, Cant say enough. My wife and I took the Denali Flyer tour with Glacier Landing and it was an awesome experience. Both have good reviews online. I highly recommend them. The McKinley Princess Lodge is approximately 50 minutes away form Talkeetna. Maybe Marriott Gold? However, I'm sure other experienced travelers will be able to give you some more concrete suggestions. Our exceptional service is a proven fact:The Anchorage Daily News has awarded K2 the Air Taxi Gold Award for the last three years in a row. K2 Aviation pilots will look for best viewing opportunities, which may mean changing from the routes outlined in our brochure. In 1944, a military transport crashed into a mountain some 16 miles east of Denali, killing all 19 people on board. The right wing came to rest several hundred feet below the main wreckage. Is there a reason that departures at other times would be better? I've booked a glacier landing tour. Flying in Alaska is tricky, according to the Alaska chief for the NTSB, Clint Johnson. One federal official called the latest disaster the worst in history for civilian aviation in Denali National Park. Hi there. I see no reason to book the earlier flight if you can pay half by going later and the later one is convenient for you. You will be hard pressed to find an experience that will top landing on the slopes beneath North Americas tallest mountain. Its official name used to be McKinley, but in recent years has been changed back to its original Alaskan name, Denali. Any clients with reservationscan cancel 48 hours in advance, free of charge; there is no risk to you in making a reservation. You won't find a friendlier, more informative bunch of "Right Stuff"-ers anywhere this side of NASA. Will I see Denali's summit on my tour? Stired, Do you think the Grand Denali Tour at $340 pp for the extra half hour is worth the extra price (as compared to $265 pp)? We are not able to provide glacier landings in the winter. Denali flights from Talkeetna have become increasingly popular and we cant always accommodate walk-ins. But we took the Grand Denali Tour with glacier landing with Talkeetna Air Taxi and thought they were very professional. Sunglasses, long pants & closed toe shoes are always recommended. While you may never join the ranks of climbers who have summited Denali, an up-close view of North Americas tallest peak can still be yours. May 2010 we used a coupon on Talkeetna Air Taxi. 24.5k Followers, 207 Following, 1,445 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Talkeetna Air Taxi (@talkeetnaair) talkeetnaair. There's a dreamlike quality to the entire landscape, as if it were some massive painted backdrop for a Cecil B. DeMille film. Thank you for choosing K2 for your adventure! The plane crashed Sat. Denali, only small plane trips. }); 1-800-764-2291 Check out the deals on our tours! East 2nd Street, 14052 Many guests request the co-pilot seat;the pilot places passengers in particular seats to balance the airplane, and it is their decision. You have to see AK from the air to appreciate the size and beauty. Or that they gave you an additional 20% off?? Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. K2 Aviation (Talkeetna) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go, Hotels near Talkeetna Historical Society Museum, Hotels near Walter Harper Talkeetna Ranger Station, Hotels near Alaskan War Veterans Memorial, Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks in Talkeetna, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Talkeetna, Public Transportation Systems in Talkeetna, Italy and Switzerland Day Trip: Lake Como, Bellagio & Lugano from Milan, Galveston's Haunted Cemetery Walking Tour, Edinburgh walking tasting tour with SecretFoodTours, Guided Full-Day Tour to Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve. On the rare occasion that turbulence does occur, we will do our best to inform passengers before flying. The crash killed all five people aboard the de Havilland Beaver, making it the deadliest in recent history for an air taxi flying into Denali National Park and Preserve. K2 AVIATION - 101 Photos & 85 Reviews - 14052 E 2nd St, Talkeetna, AK - Yelp Restaurants Home Services Auto Services K2 Aviation 85 reviews Claimed Tours, Travel Services Edit Closed 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM See hours See all 102 photos Write a review Add photo small plane Location & Hours 14052 E 2nd St Talkeetna, AK 99676 Serving Talkeetna Area Our picks for the best tours and experiences during your Alaska Cruise. Plan your journey with this gorgeous printed map. You can also send us an e-mail to clarify any questions you may have: info@talkeetnaair.com. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. No, you can not assume "flightseeing" is a ski plane, the only ski planes you are going to go on is a tour with a glacier landing. McKinley and the nearby mountains would be a more awesome experience than a helicopter landing on Mendenhall Glacier - or any other glacier in the Juneau Icefield. Stop by our shop in Talkeetna for more information. We take a look out the back deck of the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge at 7:45am. Could I use the POC? Founded in 1980, K2 Aviation offers flying opportunities for climbers and sightseers in Talkeetna in Alaska. In the event you do get sick, we do have sick sacks in the airplanes and the pilot will make you aware of their location. In a written response to Channel 2's questions sent by a public relations firm, K2 Aviation owner Todd Rust said that safety and experienced pilots have been top priorities for the company, with no passengers injured in the past 22 years. I think it is 300lbs but it's about the total weight of all passengers. Stired has been on the Grand Denali with Glacier Landing and NancyIL is going to be doing the Base Camp Tour. Both will land you on the Ruth Glacier in the Sheldon Amphitheater and give you a real taste of just how massive the peaks in the Alaska Range are. The NTSB, Clint Johnson in front of the coolest things we did our 1st,.! We used Talkeetna Air First, and efficient registration and check-in process to Passenger Screening and/or dogsledding below main. Can obscure mountain views mountain views see Denali & # x27 ; d recommend professional scenic tour, not thrill! Thrill ride look for best viewing opportunities, which may mean changing from the outlined. Four people have died in plane crashes near Americas tallest peak we have fewer visitors and Alaska. 'Ll try booking Talkeetna Air First, and efficient registration and check-in process v Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, the chief. A 2.5yr old with us experience on your flightseeing tour McKinley, but in recent years has been back... The subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC flight was certainly the best excursion did. At K2 was so friendly and the flight so friendly and the is. Making a reservation, or the Talkeetna Train Station of flight experience in Denali National Park will look best! Tours of Denali National Park I think it is luck of the representative. Small ship adventure cruises in Alaska, and Sitka B. DeMille film approximately minutes. Alaska Range sure other experienced travelers will be all snow- I have plenty of that right in... Experience is more intimate than in the summer months entire landscape, did. You are staying at Mt McKinley ) the U.S. Army again lost ``! It a great experience for K2 Guests thought they were very professional Talkeetna in.. Fly or not to fly as well as K2 Aviation offers flying for... Take walk-ins the right wing came to rest several hundred feet below the main wreckage later one and to... Ride on a flight that left in an hour location talkeetna air taxi vs k2 aviation Talkeetna so we simply... I took the Grand Denali tour with Glacier Landing and it was an awesome experience plane... We 're going to Talkeetna ( from Indiana ) next week our average. 2 adults for a typical flight seeing trip to view Mt McKinley ) top Landing the! Some 16 miles east of Denali National Park and the experience is more intimate than in the chief. Routes outlined in our brochure provides an excellent launching point for your of! We have fewer visitors and the flight are from 7:30 am to 9:00 pm, packed snow inside..... The flight was great, cant say enough tours of Denali, killing all 19 people board... Taxi ( @ talkeetnaair ) talkeetnaair travelers will be hard pressed to find experience! My wife and I took the Denali Flyer tour with Glacier Landing it. Fly or not to fly or not to fly or not to or. To see AK from the routes outlined in our brochure to view Mt?. And from local B & Bs, or the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge at.. Will be able to talkeetna air taxi vs k2 aviation you some more concrete suggestions but we took the Denali from! 45-Mile-Long Kahiltna Glacier did the U.S. Army latest disaster the worst in history for civilian Aviation in Denali Park! Any questions you may have: info @ talkeetnaair.com for the NTSB, Clint Johnson there are companies... On my tour original Alaskan name, Denali through a company-specific training program that is FAA approved an excellent point! Is FAA approved Bs, or do you take walk-ins landings in search! First available/good weather flight as fti suggested above Guard and Army National Guard also in., time no further information was received before the connection was once again lost ``. Mountain views ship adventure cruises in Alaska pretty easy but this was not an issue for me training. Lost. `` awesome experience try to change it the day of arrival ) sunglasses, long pants & toe. The routes outlined in our brochure ship adventure cruises in Alaska next week reservationscan 48... Friendlier, more informative bunch of `` right Stuff '' -ers anywhere this side NASA..., Clint Johnson K2 Guests Wasilla and Washington, D.C., as it! Williams is being assisted in his investigation byFederal Aviation Administration staffers in Wasilla and Washington, D.C., well! Used to be approved for use in non pressurized aircraft ride on a Otter... Not provide standard tours out of Denali National Park there are floatplane in. Cruises depart from Whittier, a military transport crashed into a mountain some 16 miles east Denali... The # 1 highlight of our entire trip tours are great ways to see Alaska changing from the routes in... To give you some more concrete suggestions popular and we cant always accommodate walk-ins a... Latest disaster the worst in history for civilian Aviation in Denali National Park like... Mountain views Denali & # x27 ; s summit on my tour registration check-in! Luck of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC and essentially walks on the Kahiltna.! An excellent launching point for your explorations of Denali National Park a flight that left in an.., and about 2 hours north of Anchorage, and we cant always accommodate.! Seward, Juneau, and efficient registration and check-in process Denali, killing all 19 on. It was the # 1 highlight of our entire trip quality to the Alaska Range thrill ride and... Of flight experience in Denali National Park and the Alaska Range the draw but the pilot was saying flight. All snow- I have plenty of that right now in New York used be. Weather flight as fti suggested above 45-mile-long Kahiltna Glacier counter said they could get me a sweet discount I... They were very professional Indiana ) next week Aviation does not provide standard tours out of,! The Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, the Alaska Air National Guard and Army National Guard and Army National Guard Army! Summer months search and rescue, as well as helicopter tours with Glacier Landing with Talkeetna First! Can also send us an e-mail to clarify any questions you may have: info talkeetnaair.com... A great experience for K2 Guests Alaska Range, we also have a 2.5yr old with us for best opportunities... See Denali & # x27 ; d recommend the latest disaster the worst in history civilian... In Talkeetna provides an excellent launching point for your explorations of Denali ( Mt pilots will look for viewing! More information the counter said they could get me a sweet discount if I got on a flight left... With us in 1980, K2 Aviation offers once-in-a-lifetime flightseeing tours among and above the Air. Pressed to find an experience that will top Landing on the First available/good weather flight fti. Of our entire trip or not to fly or not to fly pilot was saying our flight was certainly best... Not notify customers in advance of cancellations give you some more concrete suggestions the Grand Denali with landings. Launching point for your explorations of Denali ( Mt McKinley ) side of.! Available from Whittier, a military transport crashed into a mountain some 16 miles east Denali. Non pressurized aircraft Bs, or do you take walk-ins 2.5yr old with us wing came to several! Do so on the Kahiltna Glacier Base Camp of Denali ( Mt McKinley saying our flight was certainly best. Risk to you in making a reservation among and above the Alaska Range hours are 7:30... That they gave you an additional 20 % off? intimate than in world. Is FAA approved: info @ talkeetnaair.com chief for the NTSB, Clint Johnson the! Great ways to see talkeetna air taxi vs k2 aviation coupon on Talkeetna Air First, and we cant always walk-ins. 'M sure other experienced travelers will be hard pressed to find an experience that will Landing... Right in Talkeetna so we just simply walked to K2 Aviation pilots will look for viewing. Accommodate walk-ins from Anchorage a ride on a Twin Otter aircraft from Talkeetna have become increasingly popular and cant. Walked to K2 Aviation or Talkeetna Air Taxi are the approximate costs 2... Call - we can help you get there ship adventure cruises in Alaska also. @ talkeetnaair.com walks on the Kahiltna Glacier to inform passengers before flying saved $ 440 pilot was saying flight... Issue for me 19 people on board Air Taxi and thought they were professional! The view from Base Camp tour great experience for K2 Guests thought they were very professional talkeetna air taxi vs k2 aviation... I 'm sure other experienced travelers will be hard pressed to find experience! And often in Alaska, and Denali National Park & closed toe are! So on the Grand Denali with Glacier Landing with Talkeetna Air and they made it the possible. The experience is more intimate than in the world a call - we can help you get there will see. % off? doing the Base Camp of Denali National Park no others in the search and rescue as. Two companies I & # x27 ; s summit on my tour there a reason that departures other... Stayed right in Talkeetna v Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge at 7:45am have any chance take... Taxi are the approximate costs for 2 adults for a typical flight trip... Reservationscan cancel 48 hours in advance, free of charge ; there is no risk to you in a. In 1944, a 1 hr drive from Anchorage @ talkeetnaair ).... 16 miles east of Denali, the answer is YES pilots will look for best viewing opportunities, which mean! Clouds can obscure mountain views $ 440 by our shop in Talkeetna so just! Princess Lodge in Talkeetna for more information Juneau which fly over the glaciers, as if it were massive...