While the takeoff offers coastal Arctic views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery with the Chugach Mountains. The left side captures the flight's most memorable geographic feature during descent.
Flown BRW to ANC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Barrow to Anchorage is 722 miles (1,162 km), a flight of about 2 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Brooks Range foothills and transitions from Arctic tundra to subarctic terrain. Notable midpoint features include the Colville River drainage system (visible as a braided river valley), the transition zone between coastal plain and mountainous terrain, and the gradual appearance of the Alaska Range to the south. The Beaufort and Chukchi Sea coastlines recede to the north while the Chugach Mountains gradually rise on the southern horizon.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from BRW
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Chukchi Sea coastline and the Arctic tundra landscape immediately surrounding Barrow as the aircraft climbs southward. The left side faces inland tundra with minimal visual distinction.
Landing at ANC
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views of the Chugach Mountains as the aircraft descends toward Anchorage from the north. The mountains dominate the approach corridor and are particularly striking during descent. Right-side views show Cook Inlet water and distant terrain with less dramatic relief.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Wiley Post Will Rogers Mem (BRW) to Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Barrow to Anchorage. While the takeoff offers coastal Arctic views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery with the Chugach Mountains. The left side captures the flight's most memorable geographic feature during descent.
What can I see during takeoff from Wiley Post Will Rogers Mem in Barrow?
During takeoff from Wiley Post Will Rogers Mem (BRW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Chukchi Sea coastline and the Arctic tundra landscape immediately surrounding Barrow as the aircraft climbs southward. The left side faces inland tundra with minimal visual distinction. Notable sights include: Chukchi Sea (Arctic Ocean), Barrow spit and coastal lagoons, Point Barrow headland, tundra plains extending inland.
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. Left-side seats provide excellent views of the Chugach Mountains as the aircraft descends toward Anchorage from the north. The mountains dominate the approach corridor and are particularly striking during descent. Right-side views show Cook Inlet water and distant terrain with less dramatic relief. Notable sights include: Chugach Mountains (northern peaks), Knik Arm of Cook Inlet, Anchorage city sprawl and coastal plain, Turnagain Arm (southeastern approach).
How long is the flight from Barrow to Anchorage?
The flight from Wiley Post Will Rogers Mem (BRW) to Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC) takes about 2 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 722 miles (1,162 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Barrow to Anchorage flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Brooks Range foothills and transitions from Arctic tundra to subarctic terrain. Notable midpoint features include the Colville River drainage system (visible as a braided river valley), the transition zone between coastal plain and mountainous terrain, and the gradual appearance of the Alaska Range to the south. The Beaufort and Chukchi Sea coastlines recede to the north while the Chugach Mountains gradually rise on the southern horizon.