While takeoff favors the left, the landing approach on the right side offers more dramatic scenery—the Bagley Icefield and Saint Elias Mountains are among the most visually striking features on this route. Right-side passengers get the better overall experience.
Flown CDV to YAK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Cordova to Yakutat is 212 miles (341 km), a flight of about 55 minutes.
The flight path follows the Alaska coast southeast from Cordova, passing over or near the Copper River Delta and Prince William Sound to the west. The route crosses the Gulf of Alaska coastal waters and approaches Yakutat from the southeast. Notable midpoint features include the transition from the Chugach Mountains (visible to the west/left during cruise) to the higher Saint Elias Mountains (visible ahead/right as you approach Yakutat), and the extensive glaciated terrain of the Bagley Icefield system that dominates the landscape near Yakutat.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from CDV
LEFTLeft side offers immediate views of Orca Inlet and the Chugach Mountains to the northwest. The climb-out path from Cordova typically heads west or northwest, positioning left-side passengers to see the dramatic coastal terrain and glacier-carved valleys that define this region.
Landing at YAK
RIGHTRight side provides the best views during approach to Yakutat. The descent path typically brings aircraft in from the southeast or east, and right-side passengers will see Yakutat Bay, the Bagley Icefield, and the Saint Elias Mountains as the aircraft descends toward the runway.
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 Merle K Mudhole Smith (CDV) to Yakutat (YAK)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Cordova to Yakutat. While takeoff favors the left, the landing approach on the right side offers more dramatic scenery—the Bagley Icefield and Saint Elias Mountains are among the most visually striking features on this route. Right-side passengers get the better overall experience.
What can I see during takeoff from Merle K Mudhole Smith in Cordova?
During takeoff from Merle K Mudhole Smith (CDV), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers immediate views of Orca Inlet and the Chugach Mountains to the northwest. The climb-out path from Cordova typically heads west or northwest, positioning left-side passengers to see the dramatic coastal terrain and glacier-carved valleys that define this region. Notable sights include: Orca Inlet, Chugach Mountains, Copper River Delta, Prince William Sound (distant).
What can I see when landing at Yakutat in Yakutat?
When landing at Yakutat (YAK), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides the best views during approach to Yakutat. The descent path typically brings aircraft in from the southeast or east, and right-side passengers will see Yakutat Bay, the Bagley Icefield, and the Saint Elias Mountains as the aircraft descends toward the runway. Notable sights include: Yakutat Bay, Bagley Icefield, Saint Elias Mountains, Disenchantment Bay.
How long is the flight from Cordova to Yakutat?
The flight from Merle K Mudhole Smith (CDV) to Yakutat (YAK) takes about 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 212 miles (341 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Cordova to Yakutat flight path pass over?
The flight path follows the Alaska coast southeast from Cordova, passing over or near the Copper River Delta and Prince William Sound to the west. The route crosses the Gulf of Alaska coastal waters and approaches Yakutat from the southeast. Notable midpoint features include the transition from the Chugach Mountains (visible to the west/left during cruise) to the higher Saint Elias Mountains (visible ahead/right as you approach Yakutat), and the extensive glaciated terrain of the Bagley Icefield system that dominates the landscape near Yakutat.