Anchorage to Los Angeles is 2,343 miles (3,771 km), a flight of about 5 hours 45 minutes.
The left side wins overall because the Anchorage departure view of the Chugach Mountains and Turnagain Arm is genuinely spectacular and hard to match. During the cruise over British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest, the left side also tracks closer to the coastal mountain ranges including the Coast Mountains of BC. The LAX arrival advantage on the right is real but shorter in duration and less dramatic than the Alaskan scenery.
Flight Path
The flight tracks south-southeast over the Gulf of Alaska coast, then crosses the Coast Mountains of British Columbia with heavily glaciated peaks and fjords visible on clear days. Over Washington and Oregon the Cascade Range is visible including Mount Rainier, Mount Hood, and Mount Shasta as isolated volcanic cones rising above the range. The Central Valley of California appears as a flat agricultural patchwork before the descent into the LA Basin.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ANC
LEFTAnchorage departures on runway 15 (southbound) put the left side facing east toward the Chugach Mountains and the dramatic Turnagain Arm. You get a direct view of the glaciated peaks rising immediately behind the city and the tidal flats of Cook Inlet receding to the west on the right side.
Landing at LAX
RIGHTLAX arrivals typically come in from the east or northeast on runway 24L/24R, meaning the aircraft approaches from inland over the Los Angeles Basin heading west. The right side faces north, giving you the San Fernando Valley, the Santa Monica Mountains, and the sprawling city grid all the way to the coast.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Anchorage to Los Angeles. The left side wins overall because the Anchorage departure view of the Chugach Mountains and Turnagain Arm is genuinely spectacular and hard to match. During the cruise over British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest, the left side also tracks closer to the coastal mountain ranges including the Coast Mountains of BC. The LAX arrival advantage on the right is real but shorter in duration and less dramatic than the Alaskan scenery.
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 on runway 15 (southbound) put the left side facing east toward the Chugach Mountains and the dramatic Turnagain Arm. You get a direct view of the glaciated peaks rising immediately behind the city and the tidal flats of Cook Inlet receding to the west on the right side. Notable sights include: Chugach Mountains, Turnagain Arm, Knik Arm, downtown Anchorage grid.
What can I see when landing at Los Angeles International in Los Angeles?
When landing at Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Right side for the best views. LAX arrivals typically come in from the east or northeast on runway 24L/24R, meaning the aircraft approaches from inland over the Los Angeles Basin heading west. The right side faces north, giving you the San Fernando Valley, the Santa Monica Mountains, and the sprawling city grid all the way to the coast. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Mountains, San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles Basin urban grid, Santa Monica Bay coastline.
How long is the flight from Anchorage to Los Angeles?
The flight from Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes about 5 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,343 miles (3,771 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Anchorage to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
The flight tracks south-southeast over the Gulf of Alaska coast, then crosses the Coast Mountains of British Columbia with heavily glaciated peaks and fjords visible on clear days. Over Washington and Oregon the Cascade Range is visible including Mount Rainier, Mount Hood, and Mount Shasta as isolated volcanic cones rising above the range. The Central Valley of California appears as a flat agricultural patchwork before the descent into the LA Basin.