Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Phoenix to Anchorage. The right side wins overall. While the left side has a decent Phoenix departure view, the right side delivers the more spectacular scenery across the full flight: the Sierra Nevada and Cascades in central flight, and the stunning Cook Inlet and Chugach Mountains on arrival into Anchorage.

During takeoff from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), sit on the Left side for the best views. PHX primarily uses runways 7R/25L and 8/26. Departing westbound toward ANC, a left-side seat faces south, giving you a clear view of South Mountain Park and the broad Salt River valley. The Phoenix metro grid spreads out clearly below before the desert opens up. Notable sights include: South Mountain Park, Salt River bed, Superstition Mountains to the east, Tempe Town Lake.

When landing at Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC), sit on the Right side for the best views. ANC approaches are typically from the south or east on runways 7L/25R or 6L/24R. A right-side seat on approach from the south faces west and northwest, putting the Alaska Range and the dramatic Cook Inlet directly in view. Denali can be visible on the horizon on clear days roughly 130 miles north. Notable sights include: Cook Inlet, Chugach Mountains, Knik Arm, Denali on the distant horizon (clear days only).

The flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC) takes Approximately 5 hours 30 minutes to 6 hours.

The route tracks northwest over Nevada's Basin and Range desert, crosses the Sierra Nevada near Lake Tahoe visible to the right, then passes over the Cascades including Mount Shasta and Mount Rainier on the right side. Over southern British Columbia and the Alaska panhandle, the Coast Mountains and extensive glaciated terrain become visible. The route then crosses the Gulf of Alaska before descending into Anchorage.