Atlanta to Anchorage is 3,404 miles (5,479 km), a flight of about 6 hours 50 minutes.
The right side wins thanks to the Atlanta skyline glimpse at departure and, far more significantly, the dramatic mountain and fjord scenery during the Anchorage approach, which the left side largely misses.
Flight Path
Boreal forests and lake country of Saskatchewan and Alberta, followed by the northern Canadian Rockies and Yukon's ice-capped ranges before descending into the Alaska Range foothills near Anchorage
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ATL
RIGHTDeparting ATL to the northwest, the right side offers a brief glimpse of the Atlanta skyline and Buckhead towers just after liftoff before the aircraft climbs over flat Piedmont farmland. The left side only shows featureless suburban sprawl.
Landing at EDF
RIGHTOn approach into Anchorage/Elmendorf, the aircraft typically descends past the Chugach Mountains and along Turnagain Arm, giving right-side passengers dramatic views of jagged peaks and glacier-carved fjords right before touchdown. The left side mostly faces the flatter Cook Inlet mudflats and Susitna lowlands.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) to Elmendorf Afb (EDF)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Atlanta to Anchorage. The right side wins thanks to the Atlanta skyline glimpse at departure and, far more significantly, the dramatic mountain and fjord scenery during the Anchorage approach, which the left side largely misses.
What can I see during takeoff from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International in Atlanta?
During takeoff from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing ATL to the northwest, the right side offers a brief glimpse of the Atlanta skyline and Buckhead towers just after liftoff before the aircraft climbs over flat Piedmont farmland. The left side only shows featureless suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Atlanta downtown skyline, Buckhead high-rises, Chattahoochee River, rolling Piedmont farmland.
What can I see when landing at Elmendorf Afb in Anchorage?
When landing at Elmendorf Afb (EDF), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Anchorage/Elmendorf, the aircraft typically descends past the Chugach Mountains and along Turnagain Arm, giving right-side passengers dramatic views of jagged peaks and glacier-carved fjords right before touchdown. The left side mostly faces the flatter Cook Inlet mudflats and Susitna lowlands. Notable sights include: Chugach Mountains, Turnagain Arm, Knik Arm, Cook Inlet coastline.
How long is the flight from Atlanta to Anchorage?
The flight from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) to Elmendorf Afb (EDF) takes about 6 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,404 miles (5,479 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Atlanta to Anchorage flight path pass over?
Boreal forests and lake country of Saskatchewan and Alberta, followed by the northern Canadian Rockies and Yukon's ice-capped ranges before descending into the Alaska Range foothills near Anchorage