While takeoff offers excellent coastal views, the landing approach into Anchorage provides more dramatic and sustained scenery—the Chugach Mountains are a genuine showstopper, and left-side seats capture them head-on during descent.
Flown SIT to ANC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Sitka to Anchorage is 590 miles (950 km), a flight of about 1 hour 55 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Gulf of Alaska and the Alexander Archipelago's northern reaches. Climbs northwestward over open water with occasional glimpses of the Fairweather Range (distant, on the western horizon) before turning north toward Cook Inlet. The descent into Anchorage follows Cook Inlet's eastern shore, with the Chugach Mountains dominating the right side of the aircraft throughout the approach.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SIT
RIGHTSitka typically departs runway 34 (northwest heading). Right-side seats face toward the Gulf of Alaska and the Inside Passage waterways, offering immediate views of the coastal archipelago and Baranof Island's forested slopes rising from the water.
Landing at ANC
LEFTAnchorage typically lands runway 19L or 19R (southbound). Left-side seats provide views of the Chugach Mountains' dramatic eastern face as the aircraft descends into Cook Inlet, plus the city sprawl and Knik Arm waterway during final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Sitka Rocky Gutierrez (SIT) to Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sitka to Anchorage. While takeoff offers excellent coastal views, the landing approach into Anchorage provides more dramatic and sustained scenery—the Chugach Mountains are a genuine showstopper, and left-side seats capture them head-on during descent.
What can I see during takeoff from Sitka Rocky Gutierrez in Sitka?
During takeoff from Sitka Rocky Gutierrez (SIT), sit on the Right side for the best views. Sitka typically departs runway 34 (northwest heading). Right-side seats face toward the Gulf of Alaska and the Inside Passage waterways, offering immediate views of the coastal archipelago and Baranof Island's forested slopes rising from the water. Notable sights include: Sitka Sound, Baranof Island (densely forested peaks), Crescent Harbor, Gulf of Alaska waters.
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. Anchorage typically lands runway 19L or 19R (southbound). Left-side seats provide views of the Chugach Mountains' dramatic eastern face as the aircraft descends into Cook Inlet, plus the city sprawl and Knik Arm waterway during final approach. Notable sights include: Chugach Mountains (snow-capped peaks), Cook Inlet, Knik Arm, Anchorage city grid and port facilities.
How long is the flight from Sitka to Anchorage?
The flight from Sitka Rocky Gutierrez (SIT) to Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC) takes about 1 hour 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 590 miles (950 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Sitka to Anchorage flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Gulf of Alaska and the Alexander Archipelago's northern reaches. Climbs northwestward over open water with occasional glimpses of the Fairweather Range (distant, on the western horizon) before turning north toward Cook Inlet. The descent into Anchorage follows Cook Inlet's eastern shore, with the Chugach Mountains dominating the right side of the aircraft throughout the approach.