While takeoff on the left offers dramatic Alaskan scenery, the landing approach on the right provides more sustained and varied views—the Cascades, Puget Sound, and the Seattle metropolitan area create a more visually engaging final descent.
Flown EDF to BFI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Anchorage to Seattle is 1,438 miles (2,315 km), a flight of about 3 hours 25 minutes.
The flight path southbound from Anchorage crosses the Alaska Range foothills, then transitions over the Inside Passage region. You'll pass over the Tlingit and Haida territories of Southeast Alaska, with numerous fjords, islands, and coastal mountains visible. The flight then crosses into Washington airspace, passing east of the San Juan Islands before descending toward Puget Sound and the Seattle area. Notable midpoint landmarks include the Inside Passage waterways, the transition zone between Alaska's coastal ranges and the Cascade Range, and the San Juan Islands archipelago.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from EDF
LEFTLeft side offers immediate views of the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet as you climb out southbound from Anchorage. The dramatic snow-capped peaks and coastal geography dominate the early climb.
Landing at BFI
RIGHTRight side provides excellent views during descent into Seattle. You'll see the Cascade Range to the east and the Puget Sound waterway, with Lake Washington and the Seattle skyline visible on approach to Boeing Field.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Elmendorf Afb (EDF) to Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Anchorage to Seattle. While takeoff on the left offers dramatic Alaskan scenery, the landing approach on the right provides more sustained and varied views—the Cascades, Puget Sound, and the Seattle metropolitan area create a more visually engaging final descent.
What can I see during takeoff from Elmendorf Afb in Anchorage?
During takeoff from Elmendorf Afb (EDF), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers immediate views of the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet as you climb out southbound from Anchorage. The dramatic snow-capped peaks and coastal geography dominate the early climb. Notable sights include: Chugach Mountains, Cook Inlet, Turnagain Arm, Anchorage city grid.
What can I see when landing at Boeing Fld King Co International in Seattle?
When landing at Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides excellent views during descent into Seattle. You'll see the Cascade Range to the east and the Puget Sound waterway, with Lake Washington and the Seattle skyline visible on approach to Boeing Field. Notable sights include: Cascade Range, Puget Sound, Lake Washington, Seattle skyline.
How long is the flight from Anchorage to Seattle?
The flight from Elmendorf Afb (EDF) to Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI) takes about 3 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,438 miles (2,315 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Anchorage to Seattle flight path pass over?
The flight path southbound from Anchorage crosses the Alaska Range foothills, then transitions over the Inside Passage region. You'll pass over the Tlingit and Haida territories of Southeast Alaska, with numerous fjords, islands, and coastal mountains visible. The flight then crosses into Washington airspace, passing east of the San Juan Islands before descending toward Puget Sound and the Seattle area. Notable midpoint landmarks include the Inside Passage waterways, the transition zone between Alaska's coastal ranges and the Cascade Range, and the San Juan Islands archipelago.