While takeoff offers good Cascade views on the right, the landing approach into Anchorage on the left provides more dramatic and sustained scenery—the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet are far more visually striking than the Spokane departure. Left seats win for the overall journey.
Flown GEG to ANC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Spokane to Anchorage is 1,580 miles (2,543 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
Northern Cascades and North Cascades National Park (visible around 1 hour into flight), Puget Sound region (western Washington), Snoqualmie Pass area, transition into the Pacific Northwest's volcanic plateau, British Columbia interior forests and lakes, the Alaska Range becomes visible in the final hour of flight as the aircraft approaches the Alaska interior
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from GEG
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Cascade Range and the Columbia River valley as the aircraft climbs northwestward out of Spokane. The terrain rises dramatically to the west, providing clear sightlines to major peaks and river corridors.
Landing at ANC
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Anchorage, with clear sightlines of the Chugach Mountains, Cook Inlet, and the Anchorage Bowl. The approach path from the southeast offers unobstructed views of these major geographic features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Spokane International (GEG) to Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Spokane to Anchorage. While takeoff offers good Cascade views on the right, the landing approach into Anchorage on the left provides more dramatic and sustained scenery—the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet are far more visually striking than the Spokane departure. Left seats win for the overall journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Spokane International in Spokane?
During takeoff from Spokane International (GEG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Cascade Range and the Columbia River valley as the aircraft climbs northwestward out of Spokane. The terrain rises dramatically to the west, providing clear sightlines to major peaks and river corridors. Notable sights include: Cascade Range (peaks visible 40-60 miles west), Columbia River (flowing south through the valley below), Spokane city grid (directly beneath during initial climb), Blue Mountains (southeastern horizon).
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 during the descent into Anchorage, with clear sightlines of the Chugach Mountains, Cook Inlet, and the Anchorage Bowl. The approach path from the southeast offers unobstructed views of these major geographic features. Notable sights include: Chugach Mountains (snow-capped peaks flanking the approach), Cook Inlet (broad water body west of Anchorage), Anchorage city lights and urban grid (visible in the valley floor), Turnagain Arm (southeastern water feature).
How long is the flight from Spokane to Anchorage?
The flight from Spokane International (GEG) to Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,580 miles (2,543 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Spokane to Anchorage flight path pass over?
Northern Cascades and North Cascades National Park (visible around 1 hour into flight), Puget Sound region (western Washington), Snoqualmie Pass area, transition into the Pacific Northwest's volcanic plateau, British Columbia interior forests and lakes, the Alaska Range becomes visible in the final hour of flight as the aircraft approaches the Alaska interior