Alaska is a massive state with some of the world’s most remote, dramatic, and wild places. Even in populated areas like Anchorage, you can be in the city one minute and out in the wilderness the next, thanks to the many Alaska flightseeing tours available. All year, helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft buzz the skies around Anchorage and the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, showing off aerial views of Southcentral Alaska. But which is better for your trip, an adventure in a helicopter or one in a plane?
Helicopter or Plane: Which Is Better for Alaska Flightseeing Tours?
The choice truly does depend on expectations. If you want to land on a glacier, get up close to the mountains, or turn the flight into an adventure and add on Knik glacier trekking or paddleboarding, choose a helicopter. Helicopters can hover, fly lower, and land almost anywhere.
If, however, you’re hoping to see Denali, or cover many miles in a single trip, airplanes can travel farther and faster than a helicopter, and usually at a lower price. For most visitors flying in and out of the Anchorage area, Alaska helicopter tours with Outbound Heli Adventures offer the most memorable mix of scenery, access, and backcountry adventure, including glacier landings, just an hour from the city.
Helicopter vs. Plane Tours at a Glance
Let’s break it down even more.
| Helicopter | Fixed-wing plane | |
| Glacier landings | Lands right on the ice, no runway needed | Rarely; usually lands on gravel bars or airstrips |
| Hovering and low flying | Can hover and fly low for close-up views | Keeps moving at higher altitudes |
| Group size | Smaller groups, more personal | Usually larger groups |
| Range and speed | Best for exploring one region in depth | Covers long distances quickly |
| Price | Higher per seat | Usually lower per seat |
| Best for | Glacier landings, add-on adventures, photographers, small groups | Denali, long-distance sightseeing, budget-friendly trips |
Alaska Helicopter Tours: Precision and Maneuverability
First designed in the 1930s to access remote or tight spaces where fixed-wing aircraft couldn’t reach, helicopters can rise vertically, hover and fly at lower altitudes, all of which make them a great way to see Alaska’s landscapes and wildlife up close.
Glacier Landing in Alaska: No Runway Required
Helicopters also have the unique ability to land without a runway, making them the perfect choice for on-glacier experiences and very remote locations where takeoff and landing real estate is tight. Where a plane may need a meadow, beach, or gravel bar as a landing site, helicopters can park right in the middle of the action; atop a glacier’s icy surface or next to a blue meltwater pool, so you can start adventuring right away.
Curious how a quick glacier landing compares to a full day on the ice? Our Glacier Trekking vs. Glacier Landing Flights guide breaks it down.
Small Groups and Custom Routes
Additionally, helicopters typically accommodate fewer passengers than most fixed-wing tour aircraft, which makes for a more personal and tailored experience. With Outbound Heli Adventures, this personalization is key, since our guests tell us what they’d like to see, and we tailor a route to fit those preferences. Want to unlock some of the best outdoor recreation in Alaska, like paddleboarding a blue pool, climbing a glacial wall, or trekking a ridgeline? There’s practically no limit to where our helicopters can take you.
Fixed-Wing Flightseeing: Going the Distance
Fixed-wing aircraft are the airborne workhorses of Alaska, with 82% of the state’s communities inaccessible via the road system. They’re depended upon to travel longer distances at higher altitudes to deliver people and cargo. That range is exactly why planes are the go-to choice for Denali flightseeing, since North America’s tallest peak sits well over 100 miles north of Anchorage. For airplane flightseeing, passenger capacity is generally higher, depending on the type of aircraft, and as a result are generally more friendly on the budget. Some fixed-wing flightseeing tours include landings, but most focus on scenery from the air, taking off and landing from one central location.
Helicopter or Plane: Which Is Right for You?
If Denali is at the top of your list, or you want to see as many miles as possible in one flight, a fixed-wing tour is a great fit. If you want to step out onto the ice, see the blue of a meltwater pool up close, or turn your flight into a hike, paddle, or climb, a helicopter is the way to go. For travelers looking for Anchorage helicopter tours that land on a glacier, our Knik Glacier tours are about 45 minutes from Anchorage and fit easily into a day trip.
Still aren’t sure which flying mode fits your Alaska vacation plans? Check out some of the most frequently asked questions from interested visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alaska Helicopter Tours
Are Alaska helicopter tours safe?
Outbound Heli Adventures is committed to a safe, comfortable flying experience, with rigorous training and safety protocols. You can read more about our Safety Policy.
Can you land on a glacier in a plane?
It depends. Glaciers differ in composition, size, and location, so fixed-wing aircraft seldom land directly on a glacier’s surface. One exception is a Denali flightseeing tour, where ski-equipped planes land on the massive Ruth Glacier snowfield. Usually, though, planes need to land on nearby features, like gravel bars. Just one more reason to choose a helicopter flight: we land on the glacier itself, and for more than just a few minutes!
What is a doors-off flight?
It’s exactly what it sounds like! For guests who want the ultimate adrenaline rush combined with incredible photos of the ice below, it is possible to keep the doors of the helicopter open during flight. Your seatbelts, a five-point harness system, will keep you buckled in and completely secure, allowing for the experience of a lifetime.
How far is Palmer from Anchorage?
About 45 scenic minutes. The community of Palmer, home to the Outbound Heli Adventures base, is just north and east of Anchorage. It’s a quick drive full of beautiful scenery, so whether you drive yourselves or have our shuttle van pick you up, it’s sure to be a great trip out and back.
Plan Your Alaska Helicopter Tour
Ready to trade the window seat for boots on the ice? Learn more about what makes Outbound Heli Adventures special, browse all of our Alaska helicopter tours, or reach us at 1(907) 351-6736 or info@outboundheli.com. We can’t wait to show you our Alaska!
