The right side delivers a more consistent run of dramatic terrain: Seattle's skyline and Mount Baker at takeoff, the Coast Mountains and Alaska Panhandle glaciers along the cruise track, and the Chugach Mountains during the Anchorage approach. The left side is scenic but leans more on open water and islands, which is attractive but less varied.
Flight Path
The route tracks northwest along the British Columbia coast and Alaska Panhandle, passing near the Coast Mountains, the Inside Passage, and the glaciated terrain of the Wrangell-St Elias region before curving into Prince William Sound on the way to Anchorage.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from SEA
RIGHTDeparting SEA on a northbound heading, the right side looks east toward downtown Seattle's skyline and Lake Washington, with Mount Baker's snow-capped summit rising ahead on the horizon. The left side only offers Puget Sound and the more distant Olympic Mountains.
Landing at ANC
RIGHTOn approach into Anchorage from the south, the right side faces the rugged Chugach Mountains and the tidal flats of Turnagain Arm, giving passengers a close, dramatic view of glacially carved peaks right up to touchdown. The left side faces the flatter Susitna lowlands, which are scenic but less striking.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
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 Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Anchorage. The right side delivers a more consistent run of dramatic terrain: Seattle's skyline and Mount Baker at takeoff, the Coast Mountains and Alaska Panhandle glaciers along the cruise track, and the Chugach Mountains during the Anchorage approach. The left side is scenic but leans more on open water and islands, which is attractive but less varied.
What can I see during takeoff from Seattle Tacoma International in Seattle?
During takeoff from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing SEA on a northbound heading, the right side looks east toward downtown Seattle's skyline and Lake Washington, with Mount Baker's snow-capped summit rising ahead on the horizon. The left side only offers Puget Sound and the more distant Olympic Mountains. Notable sights include: Downtown Seattle skyline, Lake Washington, Cascade foothills, Mount Baker.
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. On approach into Anchorage from the south, the right side faces the rugged Chugach Mountains and the tidal flats of Turnagain Arm, giving passengers a close, dramatic view of glacially carved peaks right up to touchdown. The left side faces the flatter Susitna lowlands, which are scenic but less striking. Notable sights include: Chugach Mountains, Turnagain Arm, Portage Glacier valley, Cook Inlet shoreline.
How long is the flight from Seattle to Anchorage?
The flight from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC) takes 3h 25m.
What does the Seattle to Anchorage flight path pass over?
The route tracks northwest along the British Columbia coast and Alaska Panhandle, passing near the Coast Mountains, the Inside Passage, and the glaciated terrain of the Wrangell-St Elias region before curving into Prince William Sound on the way to Anchorage.