Rust's Flying Service
Rust's Flying Service
5
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Full view
About
Take a flight our float planes to the real Alaska whether flight seeing glaciers and mountains, bear viewing at remote lodges and national parks or fly in fishing. We've been flying people to Alaska's wilderness since 1963; located at Lake Hood in Anchorage, Alaska.
Anchorage, Alaska
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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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
1,697 reviews
Excellent
1,524
Very good
77
Average
32
Poor
20
Terrible
45
Wander257611
2 contributions
Jun 2021
We booked our overnight camping trip in Denali through Alaska Alpine Adventures, but flew in and out from the campsite on a float plane from Rust's. What an amazing flight! The pilots were very professional and the float planes were very well maintained. On our trip home our pilot made an extra effort to loop closely past Denali mountain since he had heard it was too cloudy to see when we flew in. He then gave us another extra special treat by doing a second loop just outside the park that gave us another fantastic view. I highly recommend this company - they clearly love Alaska, love what they do and want to make sure you have a spectacular time here!
Written July 8, 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.
aekrfk
Newport Beach, CA247 contributions
Sep 2020 • Family
We originally planned to fly out of Talkeetna but the weather was not good for three days. We drove to Ankorage and booked our Denali tour with Rust's Flying Service. They were very accommodating with regard to times, price, and possible refund for poor weather. The trip was the same price as flying out of Talkeetna and three hours long. They are very professional, planes are great, and Bruce our pilot was superb. The three hour flight was a bonus compared to 90 minutes from Talkeetna. We had wonderful views of Denali, glaciers, and a lake landing which was fantastic. Would highly recommend Rust's Flying Service for a trip of a lifetime!
Ann and Bob Kopel
Ann and Bob Kopel
Written September 14, 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.
We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. I am thrilled the weather cleared to allow you to visit Denali and that you had such a wonderful tour! It is one of our most popular. Bruce is a wonderful pilot and really loves his job. I'll be sure to share your review with him. Thank you for choosing Rust's!
'
Written September 30, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SeptemberDIY
Fort Atkinson, WI1 contribution
Sep 2020
Our group had already selected a location for our activity. Rusts verified that they could land in that location and gave us the best price out of any other options we could find in the anchorage area. Great experience, will use again
Written October 10, 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.
Navigate06870747359
1 contribution
Sep 2020
Pilot Dan flew five of us, mostly strangers to start with, to Lake Clark National Park for a most exquisite day on Crescent Lake watching and photographing the brown bears. Dan entertained us coming and going, and circled back multiple times to make sure we had great views of the wildlife below. It is evident that Pilot Dan loves showing off and sharing Alaska with visitors and residents alike. He was a wealth of information and kept us laughing! Only suggestion I have that would have improved an already OVER THE TOP experience is to include the pilot in the boat on Crescent Lake adventure! Perhaps the pilots have been there / done that, but I considered Dan part of our group and group dynamics, therefore an integral component of the whole experience.
Written October 10, 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.
Jason T
Anchorage, AK1 contribution
Apr 2021 • Solo
Booking any of these type of trips to have a once in a lifetime style excursion can be a difficult choice. I had nothing but excellent customer service with Rust Flying Service. They helped me plan my bear sightseeing trip, told me which trip would likely see the most bears, and which trip the bears would be closest to view. They even informed me that if you booked a trip and the bears were no longer at that location due to the salmon run ending early that they would divert to another location where the bears had migrated towards. That definitely made me more comfortable that I wouldn’t be spending $900+ and not seeing many/any bears. I can see why this company has almost 900 positive reviews at the time of this post and I would definitely recommend this company to anyone seeking an awesome experience in Alaska!
Written April 10, 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.
Ascension Aynat P
2 contributions
Jul 2022
Today I did the bear tour with Rust's Flying Service to the Chinitna Bay. I have done several tours in the Chinitna bay and in other parts of Alaska and this is by far the worse bear tour I have been so far (and one of the most expensive ones). Today there were 8 groups from other companies just next to the bears clamming in the beach (where I have always been with previous tours). However our guide, Tony, didn't want to take us to the beach, so we had to watch a bear miles far. We were a group of photographers, an even with 600mm lenses we just saw the shape of a bear in the distance. Wildlife is unpredictable, there are tours where you cant see anything, and it's fine. It's nature. The problem here is that other companies and tour guides do care about their customer getting close enough to see the bears and this one not. We even finished 45 min earlier that what the program says... I want my money back!
P.S. The flight was great and our pilot Mark was outstanding, but I don't recommend hiring any Chinitna Bay Tour with Rust's Flying Service until they stop collaborating with the "Bear Mountain Lodge" at Chinitna Bay.
P.S. The flight was great and our pilot Mark was outstanding, but I don't recommend hiring any Chinitna Bay Tour with Rust's Flying Service until they stop collaborating with the "Bear Mountain Lodge" at Chinitna Bay.
Written July 30, 2022
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.
Tjpizz
Darien8 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
Our family of 5 did the Clark Lake bear viewing trip. Although it was pricey, it was the highlight of our trip and worth every penny. The flight over was about an hour and scenic, but the real beauty was Lake Clark surrounded by the mountains. The scenery was so lovely, you almost forgot you were there to see the bears......but we did see a lot of bears. Moms with cubs, eating salmon, climbing a tree. We also saw an eagle in his nest. Our guide, Jessica, was so engaging and informative; we learned so much about bears. Lunch was included; the chef, Brittany, sure can cook! She also let us borrow a charger as we drained our Camera battery taking so many photos and videos. The boat can be windy, so bring hat and gloves for extra warmth.
We came mid August and lake Clark was best location to view bears. Bear traffic varies based on when salmon are spawning, but Rust can help you make the best selection for your travel dates
We came mid August and lake Clark was best location to view bears. Bear traffic varies based on when salmon are spawning, but Rust can help you make the best selection for your travel dates
Written August 14, 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.
It's so nice to hear that your flight with us was the highlight of your trip to Alaska, that means a lot to us! It's such a cool experience to be able to see wildlife in their natural habitat and we're glad you were able to see so many bears! Thanks for taking the time to leave us a review.
Written August 17, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Clement Isack
Dubai, United Arab Emirates15 contributions
May 2021 • Solo
Everything from the booking over the phone to the airport drop-off was handled very professionally. The Flight was operated by Captain Dan whose expert knowledge of Alaska from years of experience meant we got a great overview of the Denali Mountains and the surrounding landscape. Completely satisfied with my decision to go with Rust’s flying services and I would recommend the trip to anyone looking for a relaxed way to take in the beauty of the Denali mountains on a visit to Anchorage/Alaska.
Written June 19, 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.
Ed Barnes
Anchorage, AK3 contributions
Aug 2021
Very professional scenic tour, in a comfortable aircraft. The Cessna Caravan we flew in was in immaculate condition, and the pilot very experienced and very engaging. The scenery was breathtaking.
These tours are weather-dependent, and if the planned itinerary needs to change due to weather, Rust's refunds payments very quickly, unlike commercial airlines, to their credit.
Highly recommended to anyone who loves Alaska, and especially for anyone who loves general aviation aircraft.
These tours are weather-dependent, and if the planned itinerary needs to change due to weather, Rust's refunds payments very quickly, unlike commercial airlines, to their credit.
Highly recommended to anyone who loves Alaska, and especially for anyone who loves general aviation aircraft.
Written August 17, 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.
IndyAdventureGirl
Indianapolis, IN100 contributions
Jul 2021
We were scheduled to fly from Anchorage to Katmai National Park for bear viewing and, unfortunately the trip was cancelled due to bad weather, but we were very impressed with how Rust’s handled everything. They monitored the weather patterns closely and kept us well informed during the hour between our check in and our scheduled departure time. Although we did not get to go to Katmai, I was glad that they put safety first and did not try to chance it. Once it was clear that we would not be able to make the trip, they offered the option of a full refund or an alternate trip with a partial refund. We took the alternate trip and flew to Redoubt Bay instead. I have a fear of small planes, but the ride was smooth and comfortable and the pilots to and from were highly skilled; I always felt safe. Redoubt Bay was a great alternate trip to a tucked away location with a nice, gourmet lunch, a pontoon ride with great views of brown bear swimming and fishing in the bay, and a roaring fire to warm us up after being out on the water. The staff at Rust’s and on our full trip to Redoubt were all friendly and accommodating and we really enjoyed our day. Rust’s also offers free shuttle service to and from the area hotels.
Written December 5, 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.
For flights to Brook's camp that are cancelled due to weather, what is the likelihood of being able to rebook within a day or two?
Written February 22, 2023
My flight was to Denali and was delayed by one hour to allow the clouds to lift to give us a better view of the mountain. Given my experience, I cannot imagine that they would not go out of their way to accommodate a necessary cancellation.
Written February 23, 2023
Hi. I'm very keen to see bears in July. Which is best- the Brooks Fall or the Lake Clark day trip? Similar costs but different length of time...Thanks
Written December 30, 2019
By far Brooks Falls. Best money I have spent. The bears there are wild and there is a very good chance you will come into close (10 or so) contact with them. It’s amazing to see wild bears in their habit passing by people and the two respecting each other. The viewing platforms are all amazing. During my trip there were about 25 bears in the water fishing. My trip was late July 2021, but the bear activity has to do with the salmon run too. But this trip gives you the highest probability of seeing bears.
Written July 29, 2021
Would appreciate feedback on Rust's 2 different DENALI flight seeing tours --- Glacier landing vs. Lake landing? Our family of four is interested in Rust's Denali Glacier landing tour, but due to athletic builds (...plus mom & dad's sagging middles... lol), we can't take the tour as a foursome (would need to be 2 separate flights with 2 people each). So we're trying to decide between doing 2 separate Glacier landing flights or have the entire family together doing the Lake landing tour (a different plane and different max weight). Being separated isn't a huge deal, nor is the price difference between tours; I'd just like to better understand the tour differences so we can decide if doing it separately is worth it. THANKS for any and all feedback/suggestions.
Written March 27, 2019
I would strongly suggest you call Rust's directly and explain all this and ask for their input. I only took this one flight tour with them and loved it, but I am not familiar with the other one you are describing. Also, ask them for complete details about each flight, that should help you decide. Good luck and enjoy your time in AK!
Written April 3, 2019
bonjour
ce serait pour savoir si fin mai debut juin les ours sont visibles s ils pechent deja les saumons
merci
Written February 5, 2017
K2AviationMarketing
Talkeetna, Alaska
Hi LOCRI84.
Thank you for inquiring. While there is no salmon run in prime bear viewing areas at this time, we do offer an incredible bear viewing trip to Chinitna Bay. Located at the southern in of Lake Clark National Park, bears in this area are very active this time of year. The bears feed on clams and sedge grasses. It is a very popular tour.
Written February 13, 2017
Did you go on a morning flight or afternoon? My assumption is that the plane landed and you were able to walk around and see the bears? Were you able to take pictures from the plane?
Written December 3, 2016
Afternoon. They have a variety of plane tours. We did not go on one that landed. Yes--pictures from plane are possible.
Written December 3, 2016
Hello. It depends on the flight. Most of our tours can accommodate a group of 10 in our de Haviland Otter. We can also take larger groups if willing to go in multiple aircraft. I would love assist you and answer any specific questions. You may call me direct at 907.771.2117.
My best,
Cole
Written April 16, 2016
Can Rust's Flying Service accommodate solo traveler's? Interested in guided fishing for silvers and grizzly tour.
Possible lodge stay for 3 or 4 nites?
Written September 27, 2015
I went on solo trips to Redoubt Bay and Katmai National Park (Brooks Falls). Of the two I would say spend the extra money in Katmai NP because it’s amazing. It is a long flight and for safety reasons sometimes the flight is modified/rescheduled. I don’t work for Rust’s but I know from personal experience their customer service is excellent. If you have time to be flexible in your trip and can reschedule Katmai (if necessary) it’s a trip you will never forget. It’s a two hour flight from Anchorage but the sights are amazing. My trips were July 2021 (FYI).
Written July 29, 2021
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