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HNL → ANC
Which side of the plane to sit from Daniel K Inouye International Airport (Honolulu) to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (Anchorage)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides offer stunning views upon arrival in Alaska, the right side is generally superior for its spectacular views of Diamond Head during departure from Hawaii and the dramatic glaciers and rugged peaks of the Chugach Mountains and Prince William Sound on the approach to Anchorage.
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Diamond Head & Waikiki
The iconic volcanic tuff cone and Honolulu skyline are frequently visible shortly after takeoff from the reef runway.
Chugach Mountain Range
Stunning, jagged peaks that rise directly from the sea, often covered in snow year-round, lining the approach into Anchorage.
Prince William Sound Glaciers
Aerial views of massive tidewater glaciers and ice-filled fjords located just east of the Kenai Peninsula.
Kenai Fjords National Park
Deeply carved glacial valleys and the massive Harding Icefield visible as the plane crosses the Alaskan coastline.
The right side is the 'glacier side.' As you approach Alaska from the south, the plane typically tracks near the Chugach Mountains. In summer months, these flights often experience the 'Midnight Sun,' meaning you will have full visibility even on late-night arrivals. Keep your camera ready about 45 minutes before landing for the best mountain scenery.
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Pearl Harbor & Oahu Coast
Clear views of the USS Arizona Memorial and the rugged Wai’anae Mountain Range during the initial climb out of Honolulu.
Mount Redoubt
An active stratovolcano across the Cook Inlet that dominates the western horizon as you descend into the Anchorage basin.
Cook Inlet
The vast silty waters of the inlet, known for having some of the highest tidal ranges in the world, visible just before landing.
Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
The western side of the Kenai Peninsula, featuring a tapestry of wetlands, lakes, and boreal forests.
Sit on the left if you are flying during the evening to catch a spectacular sunset over the North Pacific. During the final 30 minutes of the flight, look westward across the Cook Inlet to spot the massive, snow-capped volcanoes of the Aleutian Range, including Mt. Spurr and Mt. Redoubt.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 4,474 km (2,780 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 5 hrs 16 min
Departure: HNL (21.32062, -157.924228)
Arrival: ANC (61.17440032958984, -149.99600219726562)
Route Type: Domestic
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