The outbound climb offers superior scenery with the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet. While the landing approach on the right is visually interesting, the takeoff experience from Anchorage is more dramatic and geographically distinctive.
Flown MRI to LAS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Anchorage to Las Vegas is 2,298 miles (3,699 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Alaska Range (visible from altitude as a major mountain barrier south of Denali), then transitions over the interior plateau and eventually into the Rocky Mountain region. Over British Columbia and the northern US, you'll see the Canadian Rockies and Cascade Range. The most notable midpoint landmark is the Alaska Range itself, typically visible 90-120 minutes into the flight as a dramatic snow-covered barrier running east-west. Later, the flight crosses into drier terrain with the Rocky Mountains becoming visible as the aircraft heads southeast toward Nevada.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MRI
LEFTLeft side offers immediate views of the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet as you climb out of Anchorage. The right side faces inland toward less dramatic terrain initially.
Landing at LAS
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Las Vegas Valley, the Strip's urban corridor, and the surrounding desert mountains during descent. Left side faces the less developed western desert.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Merrill Fld (MRI) to Mc Carran International (LAS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Anchorage to Las Vegas. The outbound climb offers superior scenery with the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet. While the landing approach on the right is visually interesting, the takeoff experience from Anchorage is more dramatic and geographically distinctive.
What can I see during takeoff from Merrill Fld in Anchorage?
During takeoff from Merrill Fld (MRI), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers immediate views of the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet as you climb out of Anchorage. The right side faces inland toward less dramatic terrain initially. Notable sights include: Chugach Mountains, Cook Inlet, Anchorage urban grid, Knik Arm.
What can I see when landing at Mc Carran International in Las Vegas?
When landing at Mc Carran International (LAS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the Las Vegas Valley, the Strip's urban corridor, and the surrounding desert mountains during descent. Left side faces the less developed western desert. Notable sights include: Las Vegas Valley urban development, Spring Mountains, Mojave Desert, McCarran International Airport approach.
How long is the flight from Anchorage to Las Vegas?
The flight from Merrill Fld (MRI) to Mc Carran International (LAS) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,298 miles (3,699 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Anchorage to Las Vegas flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Alaska Range (visible from altitude as a major mountain barrier south of Denali), then transitions over the interior plateau and eventually into the Rocky Mountain region. Over British Columbia and the northern US, you'll see the Canadian Rockies and Cascade Range. The most notable midpoint landmark is the Alaska Range itself, typically visible 90-120 minutes into the flight as a dramatic snow-covered barrier running east-west. Later, the flight crosses into drier terrain with the Rocky Mountains becoming visible as the aircraft heads southeast toward Nevada.