Likely To Sell Out
90–120 minutes
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$490
per adult
Sheldon Air Service
Sheldon Air Service
5
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Full view
About
Sheldon Air Service is a family owned and operated business located at the Talkeetna Airport. We have over 38 years experience flying from Talkeetna to the glaciers of the Alaska Range. We offer personalized flightseeing trips with glacier landings, transportation for mountain climbers and adventurers and charter service 12 months a year.
Tours and Tickets by Sheldon Air Service
Likely To Sell Out
60–90 minutes
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$325
per adult
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*
Denali Mountaineer Flightseeing Tour from Talkeetna
Denali Mountaineer Flightseeing Tour from Talkeetna
Likely To Sell Out
75–105 minutes
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$405
per adult
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
254 reviews
Excellent
239
Very good
12
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
2
Mike L
8 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
We had the opportunity to “flight-see” with SAS in both the Cessna and larger Beaver planes.
The ground crew was friendly and efficient. These planes are well-maintained; safety is paramount.
Our pilot, Udo, did a great job flying us safely, with as little turbulence as possible, and flew in a pattern to make sure both sides of the plane experienced the grandeur that is Denali and the glaciers.
Looking forward to doing it again someday, but I won’t fly with anyone besides SAS.
The ground crew was friendly and efficient. These planes are well-maintained; safety is paramount.
Our pilot, Udo, did a great job flying us safely, with as little turbulence as possible, and flew in a pattern to make sure both sides of the plane experienced the grandeur that is Denali and the glaciers.
Looking forward to doing it again someday, but I won’t fly with anyone besides SAS.
Written September 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nate K
3 contributions
May 2021
Dave is a great pilot and they treat you like friends instead of clients. Great family business. Mountaineers should know they are the most budget friendly option because of the lowest overage fees. They got us to the glacier and they got us off despite bad weather. Great experience flying with these guys. A great alternative to the larger air services in Talkeetna
Written May 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniel Castillo
1 contribution
Aug 2020 • Couples
This was an amazing experience! This is a locally owned business by a kind man and an even more kinder woman. I felt safe the entire time. The views were amazing and our pilot and his wife were knowledgeable about the areas we flew over, answered all of our questions and gave us an overall enjoyable experience. They definitely gave us both the professionalism of a business and the warm kindness of you would get from your own family. Book a flight with Sheldon’s!
Written August 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KTraveler17
Golden, CO109 contributions
May 2011 • Friends
I can't say enough good things about Sheldon Air Service. David and Holly and the rest of the crew were AMAZING and helped to make the logistics of flying in and out on our Denali expedition as smooth as possible.
A quick note about the Sheldon Air's history- Sheldon air has a storied history. The Sheldon family pioneered flying in the Alaska range. They know everything there is to know about flightseeing, glacier landings and climbing logistics. David might well have more hours than any other pilot currently flying in the Alaska Range and his experience and expertise is invaluable.
Sheldon Air is a family run company that offers incredible personalized service. We left Talkeetna feeling like we had known Holly and David for a long time- they really took care of us, even though we were just a two man climbing team.
If you fly with Sheldon, you won't get a canned corporate experience catered by pilots who are churned through on a yearly basis. Sheldon has experience and soul and takes care of their customers.
While prepping for our expedition and packing up afterwards we saw many happy flightseeing customers, including several happy repeat customers. Also, a couple guides we flew in with told us that in their many of flights into/out of the Alaska range that our flight in was the smoothest that they've had. There were fast moving winds aloft and a big lenticular over Mt. Foraker, so I have to attribute the smoothness of the flight to the skills and experience of our pilot David. There is certainly something to be said for smooth flying, especially if you are on a flightseeing tour and are not used to flying in smaller aircraft.
In conclusion, I would highly recommend Sheldon Air to anyone wanting to fly into the Alaska Range for flghtseeing or climbing.
P.S.- Rumors of fresh homemade soup at the Sheldon hanger were definitely floating around on some particularly cold nights on Denali. We were so stoked that they were true! The homemade soup and cookies back in the hanger after our climb were delicious. Thanks, Holly!
A quick note about the Sheldon Air's history- Sheldon air has a storied history. The Sheldon family pioneered flying in the Alaska range. They know everything there is to know about flightseeing, glacier landings and climbing logistics. David might well have more hours than any other pilot currently flying in the Alaska Range and his experience and expertise is invaluable.
Sheldon Air is a family run company that offers incredible personalized service. We left Talkeetna feeling like we had known Holly and David for a long time- they really took care of us, even though we were just a two man climbing team.
If you fly with Sheldon, you won't get a canned corporate experience catered by pilots who are churned through on a yearly basis. Sheldon has experience and soul and takes care of their customers.
While prepping for our expedition and packing up afterwards we saw many happy flightseeing customers, including several happy repeat customers. Also, a couple guides we flew in with told us that in their many of flights into/out of the Alaska range that our flight in was the smoothest that they've had. There were fast moving winds aloft and a big lenticular over Mt. Foraker, so I have to attribute the smoothness of the flight to the skills and experience of our pilot David. There is certainly something to be said for smooth flying, especially if you are on a flightseeing tour and are not used to flying in smaller aircraft.
In conclusion, I would highly recommend Sheldon Air to anyone wanting to fly into the Alaska Range for flghtseeing or climbing.
P.S.- Rumors of fresh homemade soup at the Sheldon hanger were definitely floating around on some particularly cold nights on Denali. We were so stoked that they were true! The homemade soup and cookies back in the hanger after our climb were delicious. Thanks, Holly!
Written July 28, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WhiteEaglePoland
Krakow, Poland3 contributions
May 2011 • Friends
Great experience of our trip to glacier Kahiltna with Sheldon Air Service in may this year, I will comment by changing the sentence of Robert Tatum, the first winner of Denali:
The view from Sheldon airplane is like looking out the windows of Heaven!
Our Polish group called "Denali White Eagle Caravan 2011" won the Denali summit on 25 May.
The view from Sheldon airplane is like looking out the windows of Heaven!
Our Polish group called "Denali White Eagle Caravan 2011" won the Denali summit on 25 May.
Written July 20, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JonathanDaniel85
Durango, CO1 contribution
Jun 2011 • Friends
Went to TK in June of 2011 en route to climb Denali. Had the privilege of using SAS for the dropoff on the Kahiltna Glacier, and the pickup after our climb. The name Sheldon is famous in TK, and for good reason. These folks are not only the nicest and most welcoming on the strip, they have decades of first class flying experience. Colby Coombs told us that David Lee is probably the best pilot in Talkeetna, and I had the opportunity to fly with David on the return trip back to the hangar. If there is even the slightest weather window in which to fly, these guys will make it happen, and safely. When we returned from our Denali climb, I was pretty dehydrated and down 20 lbs. Holly, knowing we would all be in sort of bad shape, had bottles of water waiting on us, and make me an awesome PB sandwich!! For all the little reasons like that, I would never even consider going with another air service in Talkeenta. It's SAS or nothin'. =)
Jonathan D.
Jonathan D.
Written July 20, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gerry0318
Lakewood, CO12 contributions
Jun 2011 • Friends
David and Holly and the rest of the family were wonderful to work with. They were very professional but managed to make us feel like part of the family . They are doing a great job of continuing the Sheldon family legacy and giving climbers and tourists a wonderful experience flying around Denali. I would definitely recommend them if you are planning a trip to Talkeetna.
Written July 18, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
balduringi
Reykjavik, Iceland1 contribution
May 2011 • Friends
Sheldon Air Service’s flew my over to denali and then picked me up after the climb. And i must say they gave me the best serves i've gotten almost anywhere. Tehy relly went the extra mile to make my trip better and helped me at every turn.
If your gonna be flying around there then these folks are the way to go a small family firm with lots of experience.
If your gonna be flying around there then these folks are the way to go a small family firm with lots of experience.
Written July 18, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MrHollywood
Valencia, CA9 contributions
Jun 2011 • Friends
Sheldon Air Service is Amazing! The pilots David and Jok are experienced and personable and really make the flights memorable. We had bad weather for a couple of days while waiting for our flight and the whole crew made us feel like we were right at home. They really take care of you. Holly was always baking something, Jok let us use his bicycles to ride around town, and Jody and Merelee were able to help us out with anything we needed. Make sure you watch "The Don Sheldon Story" and learn about the family's rich history and contributions to glacier landings and the Talkeetna area. The best part of Sheldon Air Service is that it is one of the smaller services; They make you feel like part of the family which leads to a very personable adventure.
Written July 17, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
stlrod
Belleville, IL37 contributions
Jun 2012 • Friends
I booked a flightseeing tour with SAS using a Groupon with an added glacier landing a couple of months ago. Dave Lee was great in answering questions beforehand. We made it clear that our schedule would only allow us to fly on one date, June 11. It turned out the weather forecast for that day was not good. We were in Denali for the two days before the tour and Dave and Sabrina kept us apprised of what was going on with the weather. We headed to Talkeetna on the 11th planning to see the town and hopefully take the tour. We knew that we might not be able to fly but while we were in Talkneetna, Sabrina called and said we would be going out at 3. We reminded her that we had a tight schedule as our flight back home from ANC was at 9:30 and needed to leave no later than 5:30. She said we should arrive a few minutes early in the hopes we could get out a little earlier. We arrived at 2:30 and were told the planes had just taken some climbers up and that they would be back around 3:30. It appeared they had also taken reservations for others who had booked while in town that day (where they had a sales rep stationed.) We seriously questioned whether we should go, especially after Holly Sheldon Lee, offered to take me and my wife separately so that me, being a "bigger guy", would be more comfortable on the other plane. (I understood there were some weight distribution issues which needed to be ironed out between the two planes but I also felt a little insulted being the same weight or lower as the 4 occupants of the other plane.) She kept repeating this was "an expereince of a lifetime." I understood that, but felt as if preferential treatment was being given to the folks they had just made sales to. More importantly, what made her think me and my wife would want to experience "an experience of a lifetime" separately is beyond me. Anyway, we were told we should be back by 5:30 and once we took off at 4:45, the flight was good and our pilot, Jock, knew the geological makeup of the land well. We were taken to Base Camp which was a great experience, but I couldn't help but feel as if I was intruding on the campers, especially after sensing Jock's initial reluctance to go to Base Camp (Mountain House was not reachable) and seeing him "apologize" to the campers for bringing us there. We did have some absolutely gorgeous and unforgettable views and even witnessed a small avalanche. All in all, a good experience but probably not as good as our Misty Fjords flightseeing experience with another family-operated aviation company earlier in the week. We returned at 6pm and barely made our flight. I think the worry about making the flight probably detracted from the experience and it may have been better for SAS to just have said, "Sorry guys, we can't accomodate you today." If I could, I'd probably give them a 3.5 but I would also serioulsy consider trying one of the other tour operators before flying with SAS again.
Written June 12, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi SAS staff
Can you please describe the weather while flying in mid August? And during the glacier landing? Do we have to have several layers of clothing or just 2 layers? Any prediction for the weather say around mid August? Do you have gusts of wind that can send freezing air?
Do all passengers on the flight have window seats?
Written June 17, 2019
Sheldon Air Service
Talkeetna, Alaska
Hi Shaina,
It is really hard to predict the weather up on the mountain. However, we always strive to provide and excellent and safe viewing experience. If we feel the weather is not great for flying or viewing - we would work with you to re-schedule.
We generally recommend wearing pants, shoes and a light jacket on our glacier landing trips. Yes all passengers get a window seat and a head set.
We hope you enjoy your Alaska trip. Please let us know if you have any other questions.
Written June 17, 2019
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