Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tacoma to Juneau. While takeoff offers excellent Puget Sound and Cascade views on the left, the landing approach into Juneau provides more sustained and dramatic scenery. The right side captures the Chilkat Range, Mendenhall Glacier, and the spectacular coastal approach that defines this route. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.

During takeoff from Mc Chord Afb (TCM), sit on the Left side for the best views. McChord AFB typically departs northbound (runways 16L/R). Left-side seats face west across Puget Sound toward the Olympic Mountains and the Cascade Range, offering dramatic alpine views immediately after climb-out. Right side shows developed lowlands and suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Olympic Mountains (southwest), Cascade Range (east-southeast), Puget Sound (west), Mount Rainier (distant southeast at 14,410 ft).

When landing at Juneau International (JNU), sit on the Right side for the best views. Juneau approaches typically use runway 08 (eastbound) or 26 (westbound). Right-side seats on descent into Juneau face the Chilkat Range and Glacier Bay features. The approach path follows the Inside Passage with dramatic coastal and glacial terrain on the right side during final descent. Notable sights include: Chilkat Range (northeast), Mendenhall Glacier (visible near airport), Gastineau Channel (water approach), Admiralty Island (south).

The flight from Mc Chord Afb (TCM) to Juneau International (JNU) takes Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.

The flight path follows the Inside Passage northbound, passing over the Strait of Georgia, then transitions to coastal British Columbia waters. Notable features include the San Juan Islands (visible early), the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Inside Passage waterway with its narrow channels and forested islands, and the transition from temperate rainforest to subarctic terrain. Glacier Bay National Park lies east of the direct route but may be visible on clear days. The route stays over water for most of the journey, with the Cascade Range visible on the left (east) during early climb and the Coastal Ranges visible on the right (west) during the northern portion of cruise.