Juneau Harbor Seaplane Airport in Juneau, Alaska

Juneau Harbor Seaplane Airport: Southeast Alaska's Float Plane Hub

Juneau Harbor Seaplane Airport provides float plane and seaplane operations from downtown Juneau's waterfront, serving as the hub for Southeast Alaska's extensive seaplane transportation network. While Juneau International Airport (JNU) handles jet service, the downtown seaplane base is where Alaska Seaplanes and other operators run the scheduled floatplane routes that connect Juneau to the dozens of Southeast Alaska communities — Haines, Skagway, Gustavus, Angoon, Kake, Tenakee Springs, Elfin Cove, Pelican — that are either not served by jet aircraft or best reached by seaplane. The downtown waterfront location makes the seaplane base uniquely convenient, with gates steps from the cruise ship docks and the heart of Juneau's commercial district.

Southeast Alaska's island and fjord geography makes the seaplane base at Juneau Harbor one of the most operationally important floatplane facilities in the state. Alaska Seaplanes, which operates de Havilland Beaver and Cessna Caravan floatplanes from the Juneau base, provides essential transportation for communities throughout Southeast Alaska where residents take floatplanes to Juneau for medical appointments, shopping, government business, and family visits in the same matter-of-fact way that Lower 48 residents drive to town. The FAA Alaskan Region oversees seaplane operations at Juneau Harbor, and Alaska DOT&PF coordinates facility management with the City and Borough of Juneau.

Frequently Asked Questions About Juneau Harbor Seaplane Airport

Where is Juneau Harbor Seaplane Airport located?

The seaplane base is on the Gastineau Channel in downtown Juneau, near the cruise ship terminal. It is centrally located for access to hotels, restaurants, and tourist destinations in the city.

What communities can I reach by seaplane from Juneau?

Alaska Seaplanes connects Juneau to Haines, Skagway, Gustavus (for Glacier Bay), Angoon, Kake, Tenakee Springs, Elfin Cove, Pelican, and other Southeast Alaska communities on scheduled and charter services.

How does the seaplane service relate to the larger Juneau International Airport?

JNU handles jet airline service to major destinations. The harbor seaplane base handles the shorter regional routes to Southeast Alaska communities where floatplane service is more practical than jet service.

Can tourists book flightseeing tours from Juneau Harbor?

Yes. Several operators at the Juneau Harbor seaplane base offer glacier tours, Admiralty Island brown bear viewing, whale watching aerial tours, and other flightseeing experiences for visitors.

About Juneau Harbor Seaplane Airport

The Juneau Harbor Seaplane Airport, located in Juneau, AK, is an Airport serving the Juneau City and Borough area. The Airport facilities include terminals, hangars, maintenance facilities, and control towers. The Airport offers parking facilities, retail and dining services, access to local hotels, and transport options like rental cars, buses, and taxis. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) oversees the Airport in Juneau.

• Terminal maps, gate assignments, and airline contacts at Juneau Harbor Seaplane Airport
• Parking rates, shuttle schedules, and ground transportation options
• Lost and found inquiries for items left in the terminal or on aircraft
• Noise complaints, facility accessibility accommodations, and airport administration

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How early should I arrive at the airport?

Most of the time, you should get to the airport at least two hours before your domestic flight and at least three hours before your international flight. This will allow you enough time to check in, pass through security, and make your way to your gate.

2. What should I do if my flight is delayed or cancelled?

If your flight is delayed or canceled, you should contact your airline as soon as possible. They will usually tell you what your options are, which could include getting a refund or rebooking on a later flight.

3. What is clear at the airport?

Clear is a TSA pre-check program that speeds up the security screening process for low-risk travelers who have already been approved.

Members of the Clear program are able to use dedicated security lanes where they do not have to remove items such as shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and light jackets. This process allows for a faster and more convenient screening experience for Clear members.

To become a member of Clear, an individual must provide their biographic information and fingerprints for a background check, and then pay an annual fee.

4. Are masks required in airports?

The TSA will no longer require airport employees or patrons to wear a face covering or face mask inside the airport terminal or on airport-operated ground transportation.

5. Can you bring food through airport security?

Yes, you can bring food through airport security.

Solid foods like sandwiches, fruits, and granola bars, are allowed in your carry-on and checked baggage.

Some liquid and gel-like foods, such as yogurt, jelly, and hummus, are also permitted in your carry-on bag as long as they are in containers that hold 3.4 ounces or less.

6. How much is airport parking?

The cost of airport parking can vary greatly depending on the airport, the length of time you will be parked, and the type of parking spot you choose.

On average, hourly parking rates can range from $1-$4 per hour, while daily rates can range from $8-$30 per day. Long-term parking rates can range from $8-$20 per day.

7. Can I leave the airport during a layover?

Yes, If your layover is long enough, you may be able to leave the airport and explore the destination city. It's also a good idea to check with your airline to see if they offer any tours or other options for passengers with long layovers.

8. Can I sleep in an airport?

Yes, you can sleep in an airport, however, the amenities and comfort levels of sleeping in an airport can vary greatly depending on the airport you are in.

Some airports also offer amenities like sleeping pods, capsule hotels and lounges for passengers who want to rest or sleep before their flight. Some airlines also offer resting rooms or lounges for their premium customers.