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FAI → ANC
Which side of the plane to sit from Fairbanks International Airport (Fairbanks) to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (Anchorage)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is the premier choice for this route, offering an unparalleled aerial view of Denali, the highest peak in North America, and the massive glacial systems of the Alaska Range.
Denali
The 20,310-foot summit of the highest mountain in North America is the centerpiece of the right-side view.
Mount Foraker
The second-highest peak in the Alaska Range, often called the 'Wife of Denali,' standing at 17,400 feet.
Kahiltna Glacier
The longest glacier in the Alaska Range, flowing 44 miles from the base of Denali's southwestern slopes.
Mount Susitna
Famed for its silhouette resembling a reclining woman, this 'Sleeping Lady' mountain marks the entry to Cook Inlet.
Cook Inlet
The vast, silty waters of the inlet where dramatic tidal changes create swirling patterns in the mudflats.
Sit on the right and look out approximately 15-20 minutes after takeoff. Denali is the main attraction, but it is often obscured by clouds; check the mountain weather forecast. Afternoon flights offer the best lighting for the western face of the mountains, perfect for photography.
Tanana River
View the intricate braided channels of Alaska's interior waterways immediately following departure from Fairbanks.
Talkeetna Mountains
A rugged and scenic range known for its high-alpine tundra and sharp granite spires to the east.
Knik Glacier
A sprawling river of ice located just north of Anchorage, often visible during the initial stages of the descent.
Chugach Mountains
The towering, snow-dusted peaks that form the dramatic eastern boundary of the Anchorage bowl.
The left side is best during early morning flights when the rising sun casts a golden alpenglow on the Talkeetna and Chugach peaks. Keep your eyes peeled during the final 15 minutes of the flight for deep valley views and the massive Knik Glacier.
Distance: 419 km (260 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 42 min
Departure: FAI (64.81510162, -147.85600280000003)
Arrival: ANC (61.17440032958984, -149.99600219726562)
Route Type: Domestic
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