We did the ABD in Alaska in 2017 and LOVED the entire trip!!! We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Anchorage as we are members of the IHG group. We used points. The HIE we stayed had airport shuttle service and was very very close to Lake Hood (within walking distance). Our first night we rented a pilot and float plane to see the wild buffalo and mud flats around Anchorage. Our pilot also took us to see some remote dwellings from the air. (Much like some TV shows you see.) We did not book with a specific company but just met someone with his own small company and went with him. He called his wife to delay dinner for a couple hours and took us flying. He said the $200.00 we paid would work for a really nice dinner!! He was a great guy and his wife was so nice. We spent time walking around the lake and just watching the planes. (Remember is does not get dark until about 2 in the morning.) We ate "dinner" (very late dinner) after our flight and walk at a great mom and pop pizza place. Yum - so good. The next morning we got up very early and flew to Prudoe Bay (aka Dead Horse) on our way to Barrow. (This is where the pipeline begins.) We got fogged in for almost two hours and then went on to Barrow. (The fog in was very educational and we met some really interesting folks. Everyone openly carries firearms even in the airport. I use the word airport loosly. The entire waiting area and TSA space is about the size of half a small school gym if that. (Note: When fogged in I asked to get off the plane and explore. The stewardess said "no problem". Well, it was a huge problem. TSA was NOT happy I was allowed off the plane. It was worth the hassle but I would not try it again though. I was put through the wringer about getting off the plane as were a couple other folks that followed my lead!! A young man told us that Dead Horse has ouchy TSA folks. lol. I assure had I not been given permission I would have not taken one step off that plane.) After delay - on to Barrow. Barrow is an experience like no other. No trees, no grass, just mud and utilities running above ground. By luck we spoke to a lady that was born and raised in Barrow although she had spent time on the east coast at Brown. She spent the day with us giving us a tour of all things Barrow. She was so amazing and we will be forever grateful for her "tour" and insight on this part of the USA. We saw where they bring in whales for whaling week in May and September. Went to a grocery to check prices etc. Went to a store that carried hunting gear etc. Spent time a small museum. Went to the Point Barrow (the northern most point in the western hemisphere), went to the schools, went to the fields where they do a lot of scientific study, saw where we have a military presence, went to where they have the underground cellars for the whale meat and met some amazing people. We ate at Top of the World at the Top of the World Hotel. The enjoyed the most amazing breakfast for dinner that one could imagine. Then it was time for the Polar Plunge. The water was 27 degrees and the air was 38. Words can't describe - just amazing. The water was so salty and this is why it does not freeze until it is 22 degrees. No way was I leaving without my "i did the Polar Plunge certificate". Once in a lifetime for sure. The folks at Top of the World allowed me to use the bathroom to dry my hair and return to dry clothes. (I took plastic bags for our swim suits.) The kids at the Top of the World thought it was so funny someone my age would do the Plunge. Some young guys from England laughed the whole time and wanted pics after I did the plunge. It was a quick pic. It was COLD!!! (PS. My 40 year old son would not do the Plunge. Chicken.
) We flew back to Anchorage the same night. The next morning we got up and took the shuttle back to the airport to meet our ABD group. We traveled from Ohio via Detroit Metro to Seattle then the Anchorage. Such an amazing trip and the fun activities we did prior really added to our vacation. I could go on and on about each aspect of the trip!!! I know you will have a great time. 
We did the ABD in Alaska in 2017 and LOVED the entire trip!!! We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Anchorage as we are members of the IHG group. We used points. The HIE we stayed had airport shuttle service and was very very close to Lake Hood (within walking distance). Our first night we rented a pilot and float plane to see the wild buffalo and mud flats around Anchorage. Our pilot also took us to see some remote dwellings from the air. (Much like some TV shows you see.) We did not book with a specific company but just met someone with his own small company and went with him. He called his wife to delay dinner for a couple hours and took us flying. He said the $200.00 we paid would work for a really nice dinner!! He was a great guy and his wife was so nice. We spent time walking around the lake and just watching the planes. (Remember is does not get dark until about 2 in the morning.) We ate "dinner" (very late dinner) after our flight and walk at a great mom and pop pizza place. Yum - so good. The next morning we got up very early and flew to Prudoe Bay (aka Dead Horse) on our way to Barrow. (This is where the pipeline begins.) We got fogged in for almost two hours and then went on to Barrow. (The fog in was very educational and we met some really interesting folks. Everyone openly carries firearms even in the airport. I use the word airport loosly. The entire waiting area and TSA space is about the size of half a small school gym if that. (Note: When fogged in I asked to get off the plane and explore. The stewardess said "no problem". Well, it was a huge problem. TSA was NOT happy I was allowed off the plane. It was worth the hassle but I would not try it again though. I was put through the wringer about getting off the plane as were a couple other folks that followed my lead!! A young man told us that Dead Horse has ouchy TSA folks. lol. I assure had I not been given permission I would have not taken one step off that plane.) After delay - on to Barrow. Barrow is an experience like no other. No trees, no grass, just mud and utilities running above ground. By luck we spoke to a lady that was born and raised in Barrow although she had spent time on the east coast at Brown. She spent the day with us giving us a tour of all things Barrow. She was so amazing and we will be forever grateful for her "tour" and insight on this part of the USA. We saw where they bring in whales for whaling week in May and September. Went to a grocery to check prices etc. Went to a store that carried hunting gear etc. Spent time a small museum. Went to the Point Barrow (the northern most point in the western hemisphere), went to the schools, went to the fields where they do a lot of scientific study, saw where we have a military presence, went to where they have the underground cellars for the whale meat and met some amazing people. We ate at Top of the World at the Top of the World Hotel. The enjoyed the most amazing breakfast for dinner that one could imagine. Then it was time for the Polar Plunge. The water was 27 degrees and the air was 38. Words can't describe - just amazing. The water was so salty and this is why it does not freeze until it is 22 degrees. No way was I leaving without my "i did the Polar Plunge certificate". Once in a lifetime for sure. The folks at Top of the World allowed me to use the bathroom to dry my hair and return to dry clothes. (I took plastic bags for our swim suits.) The kids at the Top of the World thought it was so funny someone my age would do the Plunge. Some young guys from England laughed the whole time and wanted pics after I did the plunge. It was a quick pic. It was COLD!!! (PS. My 40 year old son would not do the Plunge. Chicken.
It's a big issue this summer. LOTS of people in the same situation as you, so there's definitely a shortage. I'm traveling to the American Southwest in October, and have been having some issues even then.
Have you considered Fairbanks? It’s an hour flight from Anchorage with a few flights each day. You could take the early morning flight up on AbD departure day when they’ll get you to the airport. There are some flight seeing options out of Fairbanks to more northern areas of Alaska. Also some sights to see around that area. Might find some availability there that is not in Anchorage.
If you are still exploring Fairbanks as an option, here’s an article from Anchorage Daily News about flights to/from Fairbanks. There are a lot of connections from many cities.
I was really worried about the length of the bus ride. It actually felt faster than it is --- there are multiple stops, scenery changes, animal sightings. We did fly out, which I also recommend - totally different view point. You can fly in and out btw - skip the bus entirely but then you really miss seeing most of the park. There were teens on the bus with us and they were engaged when we'd see bears, moose, etc - and then would go back to their headphones.
I am so excited to stay there for the first time in a few weeks! Your post made me even more excited.
