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CDV → ANC
Which side of the plane to sit from Merle K (Mudhole) Smith Airport (Cordova) to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (Anchorage)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers unparalleled views of the immense Chugach Mountain range and the spectacular tidewater glaciers of northern Prince William Sound, including the famous Columbia Glacier.
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Sheridan & Scott Glaciers
Massive ice fields located just east of Cordova, visible shortly after departure as the plane climbs.
Chugach Mountains
An endless sea of jagged, snow-capped peaks that dominate the northern horizon throughout the flight.
Columbia Glacier
One of the world's most famous and fastest-receding tidewater glaciers, appearing as a massive river of ice.
College Fjord
A stunning collection of glaciers named after Ivy League schools, nestled deep within the northern inlets.
Anchorage City View
As the plane turns for its final descent, the city skyline and the Chugach State Park come into full view.
The right side is essential for glacier viewing. To see the Columbia Glacier in its best light, choose a flight between 10 AM and 2 PM when the sun is high. In winter, the low sun angle creates dramatic shadows across the mountain ridges. Keep your camera ready as soon as you reach cruising altitude for the best glacier shots.
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Orca Inlet
Visible immediately after takeoff, showcasing the intricate tidal flats and coastal islands surrounding Cordova.
Hinchinbrook Island
A rugged, wild island at the entrance of Prince William Sound, often surrounded by misty, dramatic coastlines.
Prince William Sound
Expansive views of the deep blue sound, where you can often spot the wake of remote vessels or large marine life.
Turnagain Arm
On the final approach, look down at the dramatic mudflats and the Seward Highway hugging the mountainside.
Potter Marsh
A glimpse of the coastal wetlands just south of Anchorage, home to diverse migratory bird species.
Sit on the left if you want to see the coastal geography and the unique tidal patterns of Turnagain Arm. On clear days, look south to see the distant peaks of the Kenai Peninsula. Morning flights offer softer light for capturing the blue hues of the water and the textures of the mudflats.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 256 km (159 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 26 min
Departure: CDV (60.49179839999999, -145.4779968)
Arrival: ANC (61.17440032958984, -149.99600219726562)
Route Type: Domestic
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