Los Angeles to Anchorage is 2,343 miles (3,771 km), a flight of about 5 hours 45 minutes.
The right side tracks the mountainous spine of the West Coast and Alaska's coastal ranges — San Gabriel and Cascade peaks, the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, and finally the Chugach Range around Anchorage — while the left side is dominated by featureless open Pacific water for most of the flight.
Flight Path
Open Pacific Ocean off the British Columbia coast, with the Queen Charlotte Islands (Haida Gwaii) and the distant, snow-capped Coast Mountains visible to the east on clear stretches of the route.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
RIGHTLAX's west-flow departure sends the aircraft out over Santa Monica Bay before banking right (north) toward Alaska, and that turn swings the LA basin and coastal mountains into view on the right side. Left-side passengers mostly just see open ocean during the turn.
Landing at ANC
RIGHTArrivals into Anchorage from the south typically track up along or near Cook Inlet before lining up for the 07/25 runways, and the Chugach Mountains rise dramatically along the east side of the city, easily visible on the right during descent. The left side mostly shows the flatter Susitna lowlands and inlet water.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Anchorage. The right side tracks the mountainous spine of the West Coast and Alaska's coastal ranges — San Gabriel and Cascade peaks, the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, and finally the Chugach Range around Anchorage — while the left side is dominated by featureless open Pacific water for most of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Los Angeles International in Los Angeles?
During takeoff from Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Right side for the best views. LAX's west-flow departure sends the aircraft out over Santa Monica Bay before banking right (north) toward Alaska, and that turn swings the LA basin and coastal mountains into view on the right side. Left-side passengers mostly just see open ocean during the turn. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay and Palos Verdes Peninsula, Los Angeles skyline and harbor, Santa Monica Mountains, San Gabriel Mountains.
What can I see when landing at Ted Stevens Anchorage International in Anchorage?
When landing at Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arrivals into Anchorage from the south typically track up along or near Cook Inlet before lining up for the 07/25 runways, and the Chugach Mountains rise dramatically along the east side of the city, easily visible on the right during descent. The left side mostly shows the flatter Susitna lowlands and inlet water. Notable sights include: Chugach Mountains, Cook Inlet, Mount Susitna (Sleeping Lady), Anchorage city grid below.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Anchorage?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC) takes about 5 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,343 miles (3,771 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to Anchorage flight path pass over?
Open Pacific Ocean off the British Columbia coast, with the Queen Charlotte Islands (Haida Gwaii) and the distant, snow-capped Coast Mountains visible to the east on clear stretches of the route.