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HNS destination photo
JNU destination photo

HNSJNU

Which side of the plane to sit from Haines Airport (Haines) to Juneau International Airport (Juneau)?

Our Recommendation
9.4

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers unparalleled views of the massive glaciers flowing from the Juneau Icefield and the rugged Coast Mountain range during the short descent into Juneau.

Left Side Highlights
9.4
🏔️

Coast Mountains

Soaring, snow-capped peaks of the mainland boundary range that define the Alaska-Canada border.

❄️

Herbert Glacier

A massive river of ice visible as the flight tracks south along the eastern edge of Lynn Canal.

🌲

Berners Bay

A pristine wilderness area known for its rich biodiversity and confluence of several glacial rivers.

🧊

Mendenhall Glacier

One of Alaska's most famous glaciers, visible in the distance just before the final approach into Juneau.

🚢

Juneau Harbor

Views of the bustling capital city docks and cruise ship terminals upon arrival.

Sit on the left for morning flights to see the sunlight hitting the glacial faces. This side provides the most direct view of the Juneau Icefield's outlet glaciers. On the final approach into JNU, look for the 'nugget falls' area near the Mendenhall Glacier. Seasonal snow cover is heaviest from October to May, making the mountain textures especially dramatic.

Right Side Highlights
8.7
⛰️

Chilkat Range

The jagged western wall of the Lynn Canal featuring steep cliffs and hanging valleys.

🌊

Lynn Canal

One of the deepest and longest fjords in North America, with stunning turquoise glacial water.

🏝️

Sullivan Island

A prominent forested island in the middle of the fjord that serves as a landmark for pilots.

🐋

Whale Watching

Keep a sharp eye on the water surface for the spouts of Humpback whales or Orcas.

💡

Point Retreat

The site of a historic lighthouse at the northern tip of Admiralty Island.

The right side is ideal for afternoon or sunset flights as the light bathes the Chilkat Mountains in gold. It is also the best side for spotting marine life in the Lynn Canal. Use binoculars if possible, as the flight typically cruises at a lower altitude (approx. 3,000-5,000 feet), allowing for excellent detail of the coastline and forest canopy.

Top Activities in Juneau
Route Information

Distance: 113 km (70 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 11 min

Departure: HNS (59.24380111694336, -135.52400207519528)

Arrival: JNU (58.35499954223633, -134.57600402832028)

Route Type: Domestic

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