While takeoff offers good Chesapeake Bay views from the right, the landing approach into Anchorage from the left provides the most dramatic and memorable scenery—the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet create a striking visual finale that outweighs the departure views.
Flown BWI to ANC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Baltimore to Anchorage is 3,361 miles (5,409 km), a flight of about 5 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses the continental interior at high altitude (typically 35,000-37,000 feet). Notable features include the Rocky Mountains (visible as a distant ridge roughly 2-3 hours into flight, appearing as a thin line on the horizon), the Canadian interior plains and boreal forest (appearing as uniform dark green or brown depending on season), and the transition into Alaska's interior with the Alaska Range visible as a distant snow-capped ridge approximately 1 hour before descent into Anchorage. The flight primarily follows a great-circle route over sparsely populated terrain with few distinctive landmarks visible at cruise altitude.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BWI
RIGHTBWI typically departs runways 10L/10R or 15L/15R heading northwest. Right-side seats offer views of the Patapsco River estuary and Chesapeake Bay as you climb out over water, while left seats face inland toward suburban Maryland.
Landing at ANC
LEFTApproaching Anchorage typically uses runways 01L/01R or 07R/07L. Left-side seats on approach from the south or southeast offer dramatic views of the Chugach Mountains rising directly ahead and the Cook Inlet waterway, which dominates the visual approach corridor.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Baltimore Washington International (BWI) to Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Baltimore to Anchorage. While takeoff offers good Chesapeake Bay views from the right, the landing approach into Anchorage from the left provides the most dramatic and memorable scenery—the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet create a striking visual finale that outweighs the departure views.
What can I see during takeoff from Baltimore Washington International in Baltimore?
During takeoff from Baltimore Washington International (BWI), sit on the Right side for the best views. BWI typically departs runways 10L/10R or 15L/15R heading northwest. Right-side seats offer views of the Patapsco River estuary and Chesapeake Bay as you climb out over water, while left seats face inland toward suburban Maryland. Notable sights include: Patapsco River estuary, Chesapeake Bay (eastern horizon), Inner Harbor Baltimore, Fort McHenry (small but visible as you gain altitude).
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. Approaching Anchorage typically uses runways 01L/01R or 07R/07L. Left-side seats on approach from the south or southeast offer dramatic views of the Chugach Mountains rising directly ahead and the Cook Inlet waterway, which dominates the visual approach corridor. Notable sights include: Chugach Mountains (snow-capped peaks), Cook Inlet, Turnagain Arm (southeastern approach), Anchorage city grid and coastal lowlands.
How long is the flight from Baltimore to Anchorage?
The flight from Baltimore Washington International (BWI) to Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC) takes about 5 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,361 miles (5,409 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Baltimore to Anchorage flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the continental interior at high altitude (typically 35,000-37,000 feet). Notable features include the Rocky Mountains (visible as a distant ridge roughly 2-3 hours into flight, appearing as a thin line on the horizon), the Canadian interior plains and boreal forest (appearing as uniform dark green or brown depending on season), and the transition into Alaska's interior with the Alaska Range visible as a distant snow-capped ridge approximately 1 hour before descent into Anchorage. The flight primarily follows a great-circle route over sparsely populated terrain with few distinctive landmarks visible at cruise altitude.