I checked with a couple of people who have gone standby up to Fur Rondy (one last year) and got the latest scoop. Apparently they went just before it began and stayed until after the start of the Iditarod. Essentially she said that they had some difficulty getting up there but felt they would have made it eventually. The flights were pretty full but not at capacity. The agent who went last year was bringing companions so she got on with 4 people. Getting home was less of a problem.

If you really want to make sure you get there either leave early and stay late or buy tickets at least one way. The best time to purchase a ticket between the lower 48 and Alaska is when the pfd fares come out in early October. A sample fare from last year's sale was sea/anc one way $170 plus tax. If you are willing to fly at night you can often get great deals on our website as well.