While the takeoff offers dramatic mountain scenery on the left, the landing approach into JFK on the right provides more sustained and iconic views of New York City's geography and skyline. The right side captures the Hudson River, Manhattan, and the surrounding waterways during a visually rich descent phase.
Flown ANC to JFK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Anchorage to New York is 3,376 miles (5,434 km), a flight of about 5 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Canadian Rockies (visible from altitude over British Columbia and Alberta), the Great Lakes region (Lake Superior and Lake Michigan visible during the eastern portion of the flight), and the Appalachian Mountains as the aircraft descends toward the Northeast Corridor. The St. Lawrence River and the Hudson Valley become visible during the final descent phase into New York.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ANC
LEFTLeft seats offer immediate views of the Chugach Mountains as the aircraft climbs out over the Anchorage area. The range dominates the eastern and southeastern skyline from ANC, and left-side windows capture this dramatic terrain during the initial climb phase.
Landing at JFK
RIGHTRight seats provide excellent views during the descent into JFK as the aircraft approaches from the northwest. You'll see the Hudson River, Manhattan's skyline, and the surrounding boroughs of New York City spread across the right side of the aircraft 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 John F Kennedy International (JFK)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Anchorage to New York. While the takeoff offers dramatic mountain scenery on the left, the landing approach into JFK on the right provides more sustained and iconic views of New York City's geography and skyline. The right side captures the Hudson River, Manhattan, and the surrounding waterways during a visually rich descent phase.
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 seats offer immediate views of the Chugach Mountains as the aircraft climbs out over the Anchorage area. The range dominates the eastern and southeastern skyline from ANC, and left-side windows capture this dramatic terrain during the initial climb phase. Notable sights include: Chugach Mountains, Cook Inlet (to the west), Knik Arm, Anchorage city grid.
What can I see when landing at John F Kennedy International in New York?
When landing at John F Kennedy International (JFK), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats provide excellent views during the descent into JFK as the aircraft approaches from the northwest. You'll see the Hudson River, Manhattan's skyline, and the surrounding boroughs of New York City spread across the right side of the aircraft during final approach. Notable sights include: Hudson River, Manhattan skyline, East River, Long Island Sound.
How long is the flight from Anchorage to New York?
The flight from Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes about 5 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,376 miles (5,434 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Anchorage to New York flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Canadian Rockies (visible from altitude over British Columbia and Alberta), the Great Lakes region (Lake Superior and Lake Michigan visible during the eastern portion of the flight), and the Appalachian Mountains as the aircraft descends toward the Northeast Corridor. The St. Lawrence River and the Hudson Valley become visible during the final descent phase into New York.