About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Anchorage to Seattle. The right side delivers the best views at both ends of the flight — Turnagain Arm and the Chugach on departure, and Elliott Bay plus Mount Rainier on approach. During the cruise over British Columbia, the right side also tracks closer to the Coast Mountains of BC, offering occasional glacier and peak views through breaks in cloud cover.
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. Anchorage typically departs south on runway 33L/33R or north on 15L/15R depending on winds. On the most common southbound departures, the right side gives you Cook Inlet and the Kenai Peninsula. Turning southeast toward Seattle, the right side tracks along the Chugach Mountains and Turnagain Arm. Notable sights include: Turnagain Arm, Chugach Mountains, Cook Inlet, Kenai Peninsula.
What can I see when landing at Seattle Tacoma International in Seattle?
When landing at Seattle Tacoma International (SEA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Seattle-Tacoma typically lands on runways 16L/16R from the north, meaning the aircraft approaches from the north-northwest. The right side on approach gives you Elliott Bay, downtown Seattle's skyline, and Mount Rainier to the southeast. The left side mostly sees suburban sprawl and the less scenic eastern approach corridor. Notable sights include: Elliott Bay, downtown Seattle skyline, Mount Rainier, Puget Sound.
How long is the flight from Anchorage to Seattle?
The flight from Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) takes Approximately 3 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 45 minutes.
What does the Anchorage to Seattle flight path pass over?
The flight tracks southeast over the Gulf of Alaska coastline briefly, then crosses the Alaska Panhandle and the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, passing near the heavily glaciated ranges around Juneau and Sitka. Over central BC the route crosses the Interior Plateau before descending over the Cascade Range into Washington State. On clear days the volcanic peaks of the Cascades including Mount Baker and Glacier Peak are visible on the right side during descent.