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MSP → ANC
Which side of the plane to sit from Minneapolis-St Paul International/Wold-Chamberlain Airport (Minneapolis) to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (Anchorage)?
Left Side of the Plane
While both sides offer stunning views of the Canadian wilderness, the left side provides the most dramatic views of the Canadian Rockies and a spectacular approach over the glaciers of Prince William Sound into Anchorage.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
The rugged badlands of North Dakota offer striking geological formations shortly after departure.
Northern Canadian Rockies
Jagged, snow-capped peaks across British Columbia showcasing the scale of the North American Cordillera.
Coast Mountains
Dense alpine forests and remote peaks stretching toward the Pacific coast.
Prince William Sound
Vast glacial fields and deep blue fjords as the plane descends toward Southcentral Alaska.
Turnagain Arm
Dramatic tidal flats and steep mountains surrounding the final approach into Anchorage.
For the best experience, choose a window seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat haze. On the MSP-ANC route, the sun will be mostly to your south (left side), which can create glare during mid-day flights; morning or evening flights provide softer light on the mountain peaks. Watch for the Columbia Glacier near the end of the flight.
Canadian Boreal Forest
A massive tapestry of lakes and dense spruce forests stretching across Saskatchewan and Alberta.
Peace River Valley
The wide, meandering river valley cutting through the plains of Northern Alberta.
Mount Logan
View Canada's highest peak and the massive icefields of the St. Elias Mountains in the distance.
Wrangell-St. Elias Park
Aerial views of some of the largest volcanoes and glaciers in North America.
Chugach Mountains
The final mountain barrier before the aircraft touches down in Anchorage.
The right side offers a chance to see Mt. Logan and Mt. Saint Elias if the flight path is northerly. This side generally has less direct sun glare, making it better for photography. During winter months, this side is ideal for spotting the Aurora Borealis if flying overnight.
Distance: 4,042 km (2,512 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 45 min
Departure: MSP (44.882, -93.221802)
Arrival: ANC (61.17440032958984, -149.99600219726562)
Route Type: Domestic
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