Have you ever been to a place that seems so unreal it feels like you’re about to step out of the world? If not, perhaps you should try visiting Adak Airport (ADK) one of these days. Adak is one of those places you’ll visit and wonder if the world is running out of space. The airport, being the westernmost commercial airport in the U.S., doesn’t just represent an extreme in terms of geography; it also offers a completely different kind of travel experience. Flights at Adak Airport are rare — occurring just two times per week — and are typically operated by Alaska Airlines, the major U.S. airline that ranked number one for safety.
One unique thing about this airport is that when aircraft touches down, it’s treated as a significant event to the residents living on the island. Because aircraft doesn’t come around often, residents celebrate its arrival, eagerly awaiting the plane and watching as it lands and unloads passengers before disappearing again.
This can be seen in a viral TikTok clip posted by @authentic_traveling that helped introduce netizens to this remote outpost. At Adak, going to the airport has become a communal ritual. Once a military stronghold, Adak is now a sleepy civilian hub; one of the places you need to visit in your lifetime.
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Why Adak Airport feels so different
Adak’s runway stretches into twilight of Adak Island – Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock
If it’s always been your dream to stand on the literal edge of the U.S., then Adak, Alaska, is the way. And that’s because Adak sits near 176.64° W, which is closer to Russia than Juneau, the Alaskan capital. The airport itself is situated amid volcanic ridges, foggy coastlines, and the restive waters of the Bering Sea. Adak Airport was built by the U.S. Navy in 1942 as a strategic base during World War II, and once hosted hundreds of military personnel. It was also once used as a critical surveillance post during the Cold War to keep watch over the Pacific. The base was later decommissioned and handed over for civilian use. And that’s why, unlike typical regional airports, Adak’s runaways are large enough to handle military jets or cargo planes.
Also, because flights only come twice a week, the arrival of each plane has become a local event which islanders call “plane day.” This is a term made popular by travelers and residents on TikTok and travel blogs. On those days, everyone feels some kind of happiness because changes are noticeable: the shelves of every store get filled up, mail arrives, and newcomers walk into the Aleutian environment.
The plane that brought passengers might also carry medicine, spare parts, and even groceries. And when it leaves, it takes mail and visitors back to Anchorage. And here lies part of the airport’s magic — there’s no overflowing crowds, no long TSA lines, and no competition for overhead bin space. It’s just an airstrip at the end of the world, and a few people waiting under cloudy skies. At Adak, if the remoteness doesn’t interest you, the landscape certainly will.
What travelers should know before flying to Adak
View of street with shopping area with gift shops and restaurants – Epasqualli/Getty Images
Although It’s not difficult to get to Adak, it still requires proper planning and a lot of patience. Adak isn’t the kind of destination where you can just wake up one morning and decide to book a flight. First, Alaska Airlines is currently the only commercial carrier taking people to Adak, and the plane leaves twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays. And once you miss your flight, you may need to wait for several days before the next one. For planning purposes, you can check Alaska airlines’ updated in-flight menu at your convenience.
Again, Adak’s lodges and guesthouses are limited, and so are grocery options. Supplies are costly and restaurants are few. This is because the island relies heavily on periodic cargo shipments. Visitors are advised to bring their own food, warm clothing and other essentials, as Adak’s climate brings crosswinds and unpredictable fog. Lastly, internet service is slow. However, there’s been a slight improvement regarding cell coverage. For some people, being disconnected is just another thing that appeals to them.
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Read the original article on Explore.