While takeoff favors the left for Chugach views, the landing approach into SLC is superior on the right, offering dramatic Wasatch Range scenery and Great Salt Lake visibility. Since landing views are more dramatic and memorable, right side wins overall.
Flown ANC to SLC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Anchorage to Salt Lake City is 2,121 miles (3,413 km), a flight of about 4 hours 40 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Alaska Range (visible from altitude around 1.5 hours out), then transitions over the interior plateau of British Columbia and the northern Rocky Mountains. The Continental Divide becomes visible roughly 2 hours into the flight. By the final hour, the flight descends into the Great Basin, with the Wasatch Range appearing on the horizon about 45 minutes before landing.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ANC
LEFTLeft side seats capture the Chugach Mountains immediately after departure. ANC typically departs north on runways 01L/01R, so left-side passengers get direct views of the snow-covered peaks rising steeply from the valley floor. Right side faces inland toward flat terrain.
Landing at SLC
RIGHTRight side offers the best approach views into SLC. Most arrivals use runways 16L/16R (southbound final approach), so right-side passengers see the Wasatch Range peaks directly ahead and to the right during descent. The Great Salt Lake also becomes visible on the right during the approach corridor.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC) to Salt Lake City International (SLC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Anchorage to Salt Lake City. While takeoff favors the left for Chugach views, the landing approach into SLC is superior on the right, offering dramatic Wasatch Range scenery and Great Salt Lake visibility. Since landing views are more dramatic and memorable, right side wins overall.
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 side seats capture the Chugach Mountains immediately after departure. ANC typically departs north on runways 01L/01R, so left-side passengers get direct views of the snow-covered peaks rising steeply from the valley floor. Right side faces inland toward flat terrain. Notable sights include: Chugach Mountains (immediate backdrop), Cook Inlet (visible to the west/left as a broad water body), Knik Arm (the northern inlet extension), Anchorage city grid (below during initial climb).
What can I see when landing at Salt Lake City International in Salt Lake City?
When landing at Salt Lake City International (SLC), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers the best approach views into SLC. Most arrivals use runways 16L/16R (southbound final approach), so right-side passengers see the Wasatch Range peaks directly ahead and to the right during descent. The Great Salt Lake also becomes visible on the right during the approach corridor. Notable sights include: Wasatch Range (dominant peaks ahead during descent), Great Salt Lake (visible to the right/west), Salt Lake Valley floor (urban sprawl below), Oquirrh Mountains (to the left/west, more distant).
How long is the flight from Anchorage to Salt Lake City?
The flight from Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC) to Salt Lake City International (SLC) takes about 4 hours 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,121 miles (3,413 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Anchorage to Salt Lake City flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Alaska Range (visible from altitude around 1.5 hours out), then transitions over the interior plateau of British Columbia and the northern Rocky Mountains. The Continental Divide becomes visible roughly 2 hours into the flight. By the final hour, the flight descends into the Great Basin, with the Wasatch Range appearing on the horizon about 45 minutes before landing.