Takeoff from Anchorage offers more dramatic and immediate scenery with the Chugach Mountains. While landing provides pleasant valley views, the departure sequence captures more visually distinctive terrain.
Flown ANC to GEG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Anchorage to Spokane is 1,580 miles (2,543 km), a flight of about 2 hours 45 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Alaska Range foothills, then transitions over the interior plateau of British Columbia and Washington. Notable features include the Talkeetna Mountains (visible during early climb), the Susitna River valley, and the transition from boreal forest to temperate coniferous forest as the aircraft moves south. The Cascade Range appears on the western horizon during mid-flight, though typically remains distant. The terrain gradually transitions from mountainous to rolling hills as the aircraft approaches Spokane.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ANC
LEFTLeft side offers immediate views of the Chugach Mountains as the aircraft climbs southeastward from Anchorage. The range dominates the landscape immediately after departure, with glaciated peaks and valleys clearly visible during the initial climb.
Landing at GEG
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Spokane River valley and the surrounding Palouse Hills as the aircraft descends toward Spokane from the northwest. The terrain transitions from forested highlands to rolling agricultural landscape, with the city visible ahead.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC) to Spokane International (GEG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Anchorage to Spokane. Takeoff from Anchorage offers more dramatic and immediate scenery with the Chugach Mountains. While landing provides pleasant valley views, the departure sequence captures more visually distinctive terrain.
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 immediate views of the Chugach Mountains as the aircraft climbs southeastward from Anchorage. The range dominates the landscape immediately after departure, with glaciated peaks and valleys clearly visible during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Chugach Mountains, Cook Inlet (western view), Turnagain Arm, Anchorage urban area receding below.
What can I see when landing at Spokane International in Spokane?
When landing at Spokane International (GEG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the Spokane River valley and the surrounding Palouse Hills as the aircraft descends toward Spokane from the northwest. The terrain transitions from forested highlands to rolling agricultural landscape, with the city visible ahead. Notable sights include: Spokane River valley, Palouse Hills, Spokane city center, Spokane International Airport approach corridor.
How long is the flight from Anchorage to Spokane?
The flight from Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC) to Spokane International (GEG) takes about 2 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,580 miles (2,543 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Anchorage to Spokane flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Alaska Range foothills, then transitions over the interior plateau of British Columbia and Washington. Notable features include the Talkeetna Mountains (visible during early climb), the Susitna River valley, and the transition from boreal forest to temperate coniferous forest as the aircraft moves south. The Cascade Range appears on the western horizon during mid-flight, though typically remains distant. The terrain gradually transitions from mountainous to rolling hills as the aircraft approaches Spokane.