Anchorage to Los Angeles is 2,342 miles (3,768 km), a flight of about 5 hours.
While takeoff on the left offers dramatic Chugach Mountain views, the landing descent on the right provides more sustained and visually distinctive scenery over the LA basin and San Gabriel Mountains. The right side captures the most geographically impressive portion of the journey.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the Alaska panhandle and British Columbia coastline (Inside Passage region with numerous islands and fjords), then transitions over the Pacific Ocean. Notable geographic features along the route include the Alaska Range visible to the east during initial climb, the Inside Passage's complex island geography and coastal mountains, and the transition to open ocean. As you approach California, the Sierra Nevada mountains become visible to the east, and the Central Valley of California appears as a flat agricultural region before reaching the Los Angeles basin.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from EDF
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Chugach Mountains immediately after departure and the Cook Inlet coastline as you climb out. Right side faces inland toward less dramatic terrain.
Landing at LAX
RIGHTRight side provides excellent views of the San Gabriel Mountains and the Los Angeles basin sprawl during descent. You'll see the urban grid of LA and surrounding valleys clearly. Left side faces the Pacific Ocean but offers less distinctive terrain.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Elmendorf Afb (EDF) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Anchorage to Los Angeles. While takeoff on the left offers dramatic Chugach Mountain views, the landing descent on the right provides more sustained and visually distinctive scenery over the LA basin and San Gabriel Mountains. The right side captures the most geographically impressive portion of the journey.
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 views of the Chugach Mountains immediately after departure and the Cook Inlet coastline as you climb out. Right side faces inland toward less dramatic terrain. Notable sights include: Chugach Mountains, Cook Inlet, Knik Arm, Anchorage city grid.
What can I see when landing at Los Angeles International in Los Angeles?
When landing at Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides excellent views of the San Gabriel Mountains and the Los Angeles basin sprawl during descent. You'll see the urban grid of LA and surrounding valleys clearly. Left side faces the Pacific Ocean but offers less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, Los Angeles basin urban sprawl, Long Beach harbor, Santa Monica Mountains.
How long is the flight from Anchorage to Los Angeles?
The flight from Elmendorf Afb (EDF) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes about 5 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 2,342 miles (3,768 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Anchorage to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Alaska panhandle and British Columbia coastline (Inside Passage region with numerous islands and fjords), then transitions over the Pacific Ocean. Notable geographic features along the route include the Alaska Range visible to the east during initial climb, the Inside Passage's complex island geography and coastal mountains, and the transition to open ocean. As you approach California, the Sierra Nevada mountains become visible to the east, and the Central Valley of California appears as a flat agricultural region before reaching the Los Angeles basin.