Right-side seats capture the most dramatic geography: Mount Rainier on departure and the Chugach Mountains on arrival. The northbound routing also favors right-side views of the Cascade Range and coastal features throughout the climb.
Flown BFI to ANC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seattle to Anchorage is 1,441 miles (2,319 km), a flight of about 3 hours 25 minutes.
Flight path crosses the Puget Sound lowlands, then transitions over the North Cascades and into the Pacific Northwest interior. Crossing the Cascade crest near the Washington-British Columbia border, the route enters lower terrain before climbing again over the coastal ranges of British Columbia. The flight then crosses the Gulf of Alaska at altitude, with occasional views of the Alaska Range on the eastern horizon during the final approach descent into Anchorage. Turnagain Arm becomes visible approximately 30 minutes before landing.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from BFI
RIGHTBFI typically departs runways 16L/R or 34L/R. Northbound departures (16L/R) favor right-side views of the Cascade Range and Mount Rainier. Right seats capture the dramatic volcanic cone rising above the foothills southeast of Seattle during initial climb.
Landing at ANC
LEFTAnchorage approaches typically use runways 07L/R or 25L/R. Southbound arrivals (25L/R) descending from the north favor left-side views of the Chugach Mountains and Turnagain Arm. Left seats offer unobstructed views of the dramatic coastal inlet and mountain backdrop that define Anchorage's geography.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI) to Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Anchorage. Right-side seats capture the most dramatic geography: Mount Rainier on departure and the Chugach Mountains on arrival. The northbound routing also favors right-side views of the Cascade Range and coastal features throughout the climb.
What can I see during takeoff from Boeing Fld King Co International in Seattle?
During takeoff from Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI), sit on the Right side for the best views. BFI typically departs runways 16L/R or 34L/R. Northbound departures (16L/R) favor right-side views of the Cascade Range and Mount Rainier. Right seats capture the dramatic volcanic cone rising above the foothills southeast of Seattle during initial climb. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier (14,410 ft, ~60 nm southeast), Cascade Range spine, Lake Washington, Puget Sound to the west.
What can I see when landing at Ted Stevens Anchorage International in Anchorage?
When landing at Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC), sit on the Left side for the best views. Anchorage approaches typically use runways 07L/R or 25L/R. Southbound arrivals (25L/R) descending from the north favor left-side views of the Chugach Mountains and Turnagain Arm. Left seats offer unobstructed views of the dramatic coastal inlet and mountain backdrop that define Anchorage's geography. Notable sights include: Chugach Mountains (peaks 5,000-6,000 ft), Turnagain Arm (tidal inlet), Cook Inlet, Anchorage downtown and port facilities.
How long is the flight from Seattle to Anchorage?
The flight from Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI) to Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC) takes about 3 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,441 miles (2,319 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seattle to Anchorage flight path pass over?
Flight path crosses the Puget Sound lowlands, then transitions over the North Cascades and into the Pacific Northwest interior. Crossing the Cascade crest near the Washington-British Columbia border, the route enters lower terrain before climbing again over the coastal ranges of British Columbia. The flight then crosses the Gulf of Alaska at altitude, with occasional views of the Alaska Range on the eastern horizon during the final approach descent into Anchorage. Turnagain Arm becomes visible approximately 30 minutes before landing.