The right side wins for its coastal and mountain variety on departure through Cook Inlet, plus a strong approach payoff with Puget Sound, the Olympics, and Mount Rainier all visible as the plane descends into Seattle.
Flown ANC to BFI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Anchorage to Seattle is 1,441 miles (2,319 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The route parallels the Gulf of Alaska and British Columbia coastline, passing near the Coast Mountains, Prince William Sound's glaciers, and the fjord-lined BC coast before crossing into Washington airspace near the San Juan Islands.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ANC
RIGHTDeparting ANC to the southeast, the right side looks out over Turnagain Arm and Cook Inlet with the Chugach and Kenai Mountains rising along the water's edge. This coastal-mountain combination is more dynamic than the inland Chugach foothills seen from the left.
Landing at BFI
RIGHTOn approach into BFI from the north, the right side offers views across Puget Sound toward the Olympic Mountains, plus a clear look at Mount Rainier's snowy cone rising south of Seattle as the plane descends. The left side mostly faces the flatter Cascade foothills and eastern suburbs.
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Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC) to Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Anchorage to Seattle. The right side wins for its coastal and mountain variety on departure through Cook Inlet, plus a strong approach payoff with Puget Sound, the Olympics, and Mount Rainier all visible as the plane descends into Seattle.
What can I see during takeoff from Ted Stevens Anchorage International in Anchorage?
During takeoff from Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing ANC to the southeast, the right side looks out over Turnagain Arm and Cook Inlet with the Chugach and Kenai Mountains rising along the water's edge. This coastal-mountain combination is more dynamic than the inland Chugach foothills seen from the left. Notable sights include: Turnagain Arm, Cook Inlet, Chugach Mountains, Kenai Mountains.
What can I see when landing at Boeing Fld King Co International in Seattle?
When landing at Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into BFI from the north, the right side offers views across Puget Sound toward the Olympic Mountains, plus a clear look at Mount Rainier's snowy cone rising south of Seattle as the plane descends. The left side mostly faces the flatter Cascade foothills and eastern suburbs. Notable sights include: Puget Sound, Olympic Mountains, Mount Rainier, Seattle skyline.
How long is the flight from Anchorage to Seattle?
The flight from Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC) to Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,441 miles (2,319 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Anchorage to Seattle flight path pass over?
The route parallels the Gulf of Alaska and British Columbia coastline, passing near the Coast Mountains, Prince William Sound's glaciers, and the fjord-lined BC coast before crossing into Washington airspace near the San Juan Islands.