I will be going from Whittier to Anchorage after cruising in July and will have to wait until late evening to catch my flight home. (Sorry no vac time to extend my trip as you advise-land trip next time!) Any recommendations on what to see/do without getting too complicated (could rent car). Of course, I'll check my Fodors too. There will be 4 adults, ages 45-50. We just don't want to sit 10 hours at the airport when in a city we've never seen! Can we check luggage about 10 hours b4 flight and leave airport?

We enjoyed the Anchorage Art and History Museum and the Native Heritage Center.

Rent a car, and consider the cruise transfer bus- first one you can get. Alaska is an early disembarkment port. I have seen people well on their way by 7am out of Seward. I wouuld get a shuttle bus to the airport- then pick up a prereserved rental car.- put your luggage in the trunk, most airlines will not allow that early of a checkin. Then you have many options- request their visitor guide www.anchorage.net
Consider heading north to Eklutna spirt houses- cheap tour that is interesting AAA discounts.Eagle River nature center? Plenty to do in Anchorage- have plans made ahead perhaps with a group meeting. Make the most of your time.

If you are getting off a cruise and then flying out of Anchorage, and using a cruise transfer bus to get there, then you won't be the only ones and you can bet there'll be other folks checking luggage "that early" so I'd try getting the luggage checked in first and then doing the rental car number..otherwise, get a vehicle with a big trunk or a van. Good luck.

Some airlines still have a 4 hour window for checked bags. Best is to contact the airline direct in Anchorage and verify the policy.