Left side wins both ends of the flight. During the flight itself, the left side also tracks closer to the Canadian Rockies as the route curves southeast over British Columbia and Alberta, offering occasional distant mountain views during cruise before the terrain flattens into the Great Plains.
Flown ANC to IAH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Anchorage to Houston is 3,261 miles (5,248 km), a flight of about 7 hours.
The route passes over the Alaska Range and Wrangell Mountains shortly after departure, then crosses the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, the Canadian Rockies over Alberta, the Great Plains of Montana, Wyoming, and Kansas, before descending into the flat Gulf Coast plain of Texas. The Rocky Mountain front range may be visible as a distant line on the horizon during cruise over the plains.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ANC
LEFTAnchorage departures heading southeast on runway 15 give the left side a direct view of the Chugach Mountains rising immediately east of the city, with the full expanse of Cook Inlet visible to the right. Left-side passengers get the dramatic face of the Chugach front range including the Flattop Mountain area and the city grid of Anchorage below.
Landing at IAH
LEFTIAH arrivals typically approach from the north on runway 15L/15R, meaning the left side faces west toward downtown Houston, the Ship Channel, and the sprawling urban grid. The right side looks east over suburban sprawl with fewer distinctive features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC) to George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Anchorage to Houston. Left side wins both ends of the flight. During the flight itself, the left side also tracks closer to the Canadian Rockies as the route curves southeast over British Columbia and Alberta, offering occasional distant mountain views during cruise before the terrain flattens into the Great Plains.
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. Anchorage departures heading southeast on runway 15 give the left side a direct view of the Chugach Mountains rising immediately east of the city, with the full expanse of Cook Inlet visible to the right. Left-side passengers get the dramatic face of the Chugach front range including the Flattop Mountain area and the city grid of Anchorage below. Notable sights include: Chugach Mountains (immediate east), Cook Inlet and Knik Arm confluence, Anchorage city grid and Port of Anchorage, Turnagain Arm beginning to the south.
What can I see when landing at George Bush Intcntl Houston in Houston?
When landing at George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH), sit on the Left side for the best views. IAH arrivals typically approach from the north on runway 15L/15R, meaning the left side faces west toward downtown Houston, the Ship Channel, and the sprawling urban grid. The right side looks east over suburban sprawl with fewer distinctive features. Notable sights include: Downtown Houston skyline, Houston Ship Channel and Buffalo Bayou, Lake Houston to the northeast, Texas Gulf Coast haze on the horizon.
How long is the flight from Anchorage to Houston?
The flight from Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC) to George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) takes about 7 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 3,261 miles (5,248 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Anchorage to Houston flight path pass over?
The route passes over the Alaska Range and Wrangell Mountains shortly after departure, then crosses the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, the Canadian Rockies over Alberta, the Great Plains of Montana, Wyoming, and Kansas, before descending into the flat Gulf Coast plain of Texas. The Rocky Mountain front range may be visible as a distant line on the horizon during cruise over the plains.