The right side wins overall thanks to the striking Chugach Mountain departure and better sightlines toward Greenland's ice sheet during the cruise phase, giving it more consistent dramatic terrain across the flight, even though London favors the left side on final approach.
Flown ANC to LHR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Anchorage to London is 4,474 miles (7,200 km), a flight of about 7 hours 25 minutes.
Yukon and Mackenzie Mountains, Hudson Bay coastline, southern Greenland's ice sheet and fjords, Icelandic coastline, Scottish Highlands
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ANC
RIGHTDeparting ANC on the 07 runways and turning northeast toward Canada, the right side faces south into the Chugach Mountains and Turnagain Arm, giving a dramatic wall of peaks and glacial valleys right off the wingtip. The left side mostly shows Cook Inlet and flatter tundra receding behind the turn.
Landing at LHR
LEFTOn a typical westerly approach into LHR (27L/27R), the flight path crosses east London and follows the Thames corridor before touchdown, and the left side offers clear views of the Docklands skyline, the river bends, and Windsor Castle further along. The right side mostly shows suburban rooftops with fewer standout 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 Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Anchorage to London. The right side wins overall thanks to the striking Chugach Mountain departure and better sightlines toward Greenland's ice sheet during the cruise phase, giving it more consistent dramatic terrain across the flight, even though London favors the left side on final approach.
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. Departing ANC on the 07 runways and turning northeast toward Canada, the right side faces south into the Chugach Mountains and Turnagain Arm, giving a dramatic wall of peaks and glacial valleys right off the wingtip. The left side mostly shows Cook Inlet and flatter tundra receding behind the turn. Notable sights include: Chugach Mountains, Turnagain Arm, Anchorage coastline, Knik Arm.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. On a typical westerly approach into LHR (27L/27R), the flight path crosses east London and follows the Thames corridor before touchdown, and the left side offers clear views of the Docklands skyline, the river bends, and Windsor Castle further along. The right side mostly shows suburban rooftops with fewer standout landmarks. Notable sights include: River Thames, Canary Wharf, O2 Arena, Windsor Castle.
How long is the flight from Anchorage to London?
The flight from Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC) to Heathrow (LHR) takes about 7 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,474 miles (7,200 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Anchorage to London flight path pass over?
Yukon and Mackenzie Mountains, Hudson Bay coastline, southern Greenland's ice sheet and fjords, Icelandic coastline, Scottish Highlands