The left side captures the most dramatic scenery on this route: the Chugach Mountains during takeoff are the flight's visual highlight. While the landing approach over Arctic tundra and sea ice is interesting, the mountains offer greater visual distinction and relief.
Flown ANC to BRW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Anchorage to Barrow is 722 miles (1,162 km), a flight of about 2 hours 10 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Matanuska-Susitna Valley and then transitions into the Alaska Range foothills. Viewers will see the transition from forested lowlands to tundra around the 30-minute mark, with the Susitna River valley visible below. The landscape becomes progressively flatter and more barren as the aircraft moves north, eventually crossing into the Arctic coastal plain with sparse vegetation and visible permafrost features.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ANC
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Chugach Mountains immediately after departure, which rise dramatically to the east of Anchorage. The aircraft climbs northwestward, so the left window captures the snow-capped peaks and glaciated valleys that define the landscape around the airport.
Landing at BRW
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Arctic coastal plain and the Beaufort Sea as the aircraft descends toward Barrow. The approach from the south brings the right window into alignment with the tundra landscape and the ice-filled waters that characterize this northernmost region.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC) to Wiley Post Will Rogers Mem (BRW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Anchorage to Barrow. The left side captures the most dramatic scenery on this route: the Chugach Mountains during takeoff are the flight's visual highlight. While the landing approach over Arctic tundra and sea ice is interesting, the mountains offer greater visual distinction and relief.
What can I see during takeoff from Ted Stevens Anchorage International in Anchorage?
During takeoff from Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Chugach Mountains immediately after departure, which rise dramatically to the east of Anchorage. The aircraft climbs northwestward, so the left window captures the snow-capped peaks and glaciated valleys that define the landscape around the airport. Notable sights include: Chugach Mountains, Knik Arm (water body west of airport), Turnagain Arm (southeast), Cook Inlet.
What can I see when landing at Wiley Post Will Rogers Mem in Barrow?
When landing at Wiley Post Will Rogers Mem (BRW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the Arctic coastal plain and the Beaufort Sea as the aircraft descends toward Barrow. The approach from the south brings the right window into alignment with the tundra landscape and the ice-filled waters that characterize this northernmost region. Notable sights include: Beaufort Sea ice pack, Arctic coastal tundra, Barrow Lagoon, Point Barrow (northernmost point of Alaska).
How long is the flight from Anchorage to Barrow?
The flight from Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC) to Wiley Post Will Rogers Mem (BRW) takes about 2 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 722 miles (1,162 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Anchorage to Barrow flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Matanuska-Susitna Valley and then transitions into the Alaska Range foothills. Viewers will see the transition from forested lowlands to tundra around the 30-minute mark, with the Susitna River valley visible below. The landscape becomes progressively flatter and more barren as the aircraft moves north, eventually crossing into the Arctic coastal plain with sparse vegetation and visible permafrost features.