About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) to Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sydney to Anchorage. While the takeoff offers good mountain views on the left, the landing approach into Anchorage with the Chugach Mountains and Turnagain Arm on the right provides more dramatic and distinctive scenery. The right side captures the most visually striking portion of this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Kingsford Smith International Airport in Sydney?
During takeoff from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left seats offer views of the Blue Mountains and the Illawarra escarpment as the aircraft climbs westward out of Sydney. Right seats face the Tasman Sea with minimal scenic variation. Notable sights include: Blue Mountains (inland, ~50 miles west), Illawarra Escarpment (south-southwest), Sydney Harbour and CBD (receding below), Wollongong coastal plain (southern horizon).
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. Right seats provide views of the Chugach Mountains and Turnagain Arm during descent into Anchorage. The aircraft approaches from the south-southeast, making the eastern peaks and the dramatic glacial inlet highly visible on the right side. Notable sights include: Chugach Mountains (dominant, east and northeast), Turnagain Arm (glacial inlet, southeast), Knik Arm (west), Anchorage city and coastal plain (foreground during final approach).
How long is the flight from Sydney to Anchorage?
The flight from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) to Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC) takes 13h 15m.
What does the Sydney to Anchorage flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Pacific over open ocean for approximately 8-9 hours with no visible landmarks. Near the Aleutian Islands (around 10-11 hours into flight), volcanic peaks and island chains may be visible depending on altitude and weather. As the aircraft approaches Alaska, the Alaska Range becomes visible on the left side during descent, with Mount Denali potentially visible in clear conditions approximately 2 hours before landing. The final approach crosses Cook Inlet with views of the Chugach Mountains and Turnagain Arm.