While takeoff favors the right for Chugach views, landing on left seats provides superior views of Turnagain Arm and the Chugach Mountains during descent, which is the more visually rewarding phase of this short flight. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
Flight Path
This is an extremely short flight (roughly 8 nautical miles). The aircraft climbs south/southwest from Merrill Field over south Anchorage's residential areas, then descends almost immediately toward Ted Stevens International. Cook Inlet remains visible to the west throughout. The Chugach Mountains dominate the eastern skyline for the entire flight. Turnagain Arm becomes visible during descent on the eastern side.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MRI
RIGHTMRI typically departs to the south or southwest. Right-side seats offer views of the Chugach Mountains immediately south of Merrill Field as you climb out, plus Cook Inlet to the west. Left side faces north toward developed areas with less dramatic scenery.
Landing at ANC
LEFTANC (Ted Stevens) typically lands from the north on Runway 1L/1R or from the south on Runway 19L/19R. On northbound approaches, left seats see the Chugach Mountains and Turnagain Arm to the east. On southbound approaches, left seats still capture the Chugach range and the transition from Cook Inlet into the airport's coastal position.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Merrill Fld (MRI) to Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Anchorage to Anchorage. While takeoff favors the right for Chugach views, landing on left seats provides superior views of Turnagain Arm and the Chugach Mountains during descent, which is the more visually rewarding phase of this short flight. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from Merrill Fld in Anchorage?
During takeoff from Merrill Fld (MRI), sit on the Right side for the best views. MRI typically departs to the south or southwest. Right-side seats offer views of the Chugach Mountains immediately south of Merrill Field as you climb out, plus Cook Inlet to the west. Left side faces north toward developed areas with less dramatic scenery. Notable sights include: Chugach Mountains (south), Cook Inlet (southwest), Anchorage urban grid (north), Knik Arm (west).
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. ANC (Ted Stevens) typically lands from the north on Runway 1L/1R or from the south on Runway 19L/19R. On northbound approaches, left seats see the Chugach Mountains and Turnagain Arm to the east. On southbound approaches, left seats still capture the Chugach range and the transition from Cook Inlet into the airport's coastal position. Notable sights include: Chugach Mountains (east), Turnagain Arm (southeast), Cook Inlet (west), Anchorage International Airport complex (below).
How long is the flight from Anchorage to Anchorage?
The flight from Merrill Fld (MRI) to Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC) takes Approximately 10-15 minutes.
What does the Anchorage to Anchorage flight path pass over?
This is an extremely short flight (roughly 8 nautical miles). The aircraft climbs south/southwest from Merrill Field over south Anchorage's residential areas, then descends almost immediately toward Ted Stevens International. Cook Inlet remains visible to the west throughout. The Chugach Mountains dominate the eastern skyline for the entire flight. Turnagain Arm becomes visible during descent on the eastern side.