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BRW → AIN
Which side of the plane to sit from Wiley Post Will Rogers Memorial Airport (Barrow) to Wainwright Airport (Wainwright)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft offers spectacular, unobstructed views of the Chukchi Sea coastline, dramatic sea ice formations, and the unique geography of the Arctic shore.
Chukchi Sea Coastline
Constant views of the rugged Arctic shoreline where the land meets the northern ocean waters.
Arctic Sea Ice
Depending on the season, witness massive ice floes, pressure ridges, and the varying textures of the polar ice pack.
Peard Bay
A significant coastal indentation featuring a long protective sand spit and shallow lagoon waters.
The right side is the premier choice for maritime views. In winter and spring, look for 'leads'—cracks in the sea ice where whales may surface. Mid-day flights provide the best lighting to distinguish between the deep blue water and the bright white ice shelf.
Arctic Coastal Plain
Vast stretches of treeless tundra covering the North Slope, showcasing the scale of the Alaskan wilderness.
Thermokarst Lakes
A dense network of thousands of small, shallow lakes formed by thawing permafrost, creating a mosaic pattern.
Tundra Wildlife
Potential sightings of caribou herds or snowy owls across the flat, open permafrost landscape.
Sit on the left for a better look at the 'polygonal ground'—geometric patterns in the soil caused by ice wedges. This side is particularly interesting in early summer when the tundra turns green and bird life is most active.
Distance: 137 km (85 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 14 min
Departure: BRW (71.285402, -156.766008)
Arrival: AIN (70.6380004883, -159.994995117)
Route Type: Domestic
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