While the left offers London scenery on departure, the right side wins overall because the landing approach into Anchorage—with the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet—provides more dramatic and memorable scenery. The mountains are genuinely spectacular and visible from a considerable distance during descent.
Flown LHR to ANC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Anchorage is 4,474 miles (7,200 km), a flight of about 8 hours 55 minutes.
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic, passing over or near Greenland's eastern coast (visible as ice sheet and glaciers), the Davis Strait, and parts of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Over Greenland, you may see the Greenland Ice Sheet's edge and coastal fjords. As the flight approaches North America, the Canadian Rockies and interior mountain ranges become visible. The flight then crosses into Alaska, passing over the interior terrain before descending toward Anchorage.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
LEFTLeft-side seats offer views of the Thames estuary and the London metropolitan area during the initial climb-out westward from Heathrow. You'll see the river's distinctive meanders and the urban sprawl of Greater London receding beneath you.
Landing at ANC
RIGHTRight-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Anchorage, particularly of the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet. The approach typically brings aircraft over the inlet from the southwest, offering dramatic views of snow-capped peaks and the coastal landscape.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Anchorage. While the left offers London scenery on departure, the right side wins overall because the landing approach into Anchorage—with the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet—provides more dramatic and memorable scenery. The mountains are genuinely spectacular and visible from a considerable distance during descent.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer views of the Thames estuary and the London metropolitan area during the initial climb-out westward from Heathrow. You'll see the river's distinctive meanders and the urban sprawl of Greater London receding beneath you. Notable sights include: River Thames and its estuary, Greater London urban area, Windsor Castle area (visible as a white structure in the distance), Chiltern Hills to the northwest.
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. Right-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Anchorage, particularly of the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet. The approach typically brings aircraft over the inlet from the southwest, offering dramatic views of snow-capped peaks and the coastal landscape. Notable sights include: Chugach Mountains (snow-capped peaks), Cook Inlet (large body of water), Turnagain Arm (glacial inlet), Anchorage city and surrounding lowlands.
How long is the flight from London to Anchorage?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC) takes about 8 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,474 miles (7,200 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Anchorage flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic, passing over or near Greenland's eastern coast (visible as ice sheet and glaciers), the Davis Strait, and parts of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Over Greenland, you may see the Greenland Ice Sheet's edge and coastal fjords. As the flight approaches North America, the Canadian Rockies and interior mountain ranges become visible. The flight then crosses into Alaska, passing over the interior terrain before descending toward Anchorage.