Right-side seats consistently offer the most dramatic scenery on this short flight, with the Chugach Mountains visible during both takeoff and landing. The left side is dominated by Cook Inlet water views, which are less visually distinctive than the mountainous terrain to the east.
Flown ANC to EDF? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Ted Stevens Anchorage International to Elmendorf Afb is 8 miles (13 km), a flight of about 15 minutes.
This is an extremely short flight between two facilities in the Anchorage metropolitan area. The flight path remains over or near the Anchorage foothills and lower Chugach Mountain terrain. No significant midpoint landmarks exist due to the brief duration—the flight essentially climbs out from ANC and immediately begins descent into Elmendorf AFB, which lies only 12 nautical miles northeast.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from ANC
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Chugach Mountains immediately east of Anchorage during climb-out. The left side faces Cook Inlet and offers water views but fewer dramatic landmarks during the initial ascent.
Landing at EDF
RIGHTRight-side seats provide views of the Chugach Mountains and the approach corridor over the foothills during descent into Elmendorf. The left side faces Cook Inlet and offers less distinctive terrain during final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC) to Elmendorf Afb (EDF)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Anchorage to Anchorage. Right-side seats consistently offer the most dramatic scenery on this short flight, with the Chugach Mountains visible during both takeoff and landing. The left side is dominated by Cook Inlet water views, which are less visually distinctive than the mountainous terrain to the east.
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. Right-side seats offer views of the Chugach Mountains immediately east of Anchorage during climb-out. The left side faces Cook Inlet and offers water views but fewer dramatic landmarks during the initial ascent. Notable sights include: Chugach Mountains (east), Cook Inlet (west), Anchorage urban area (below), Turnagain Arm (southeast).
What can I see when landing at Elmendorf Afb in Anchorage?
When landing at Elmendorf Afb (EDF), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats provide views of the Chugach Mountains and the approach corridor over the foothills during descent into Elmendorf. The left side faces Cook Inlet and offers less distinctive terrain during final approach. Notable sights include: Chugach Mountains (east and right), Elmendorf Air Force Base runways (below), Anchorage foothills (southeast), Turnagain Arm (distant southeast).
How long is the flight from Anchorage to Anchorage?
The flight from Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC) to Elmendorf Afb (EDF) takes about 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 8 miles (13 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Anchorage to Anchorage flight path pass over?
This is an extremely short flight between two facilities in the Anchorage metropolitan area. The flight path remains over or near the Anchorage foothills and lower Chugach Mountain terrain. No significant midpoint landmarks exist due to the brief duration—the flight essentially climbs out from ANC and immediately begins descent into Elmendorf AFB, which lies only 12 nautical miles northeast.