Loading map...
YAK → JNU
Which side of the plane to sit from Yakutat Airport (Yakutat) to Juneau International Airport (Juneau)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers unparalleled views of the towering Saint Elias and Fairweather mountain ranges, vast icefields, and the majestic fjords of Glacier Bay National Park.
Saint Elias Mountains
Massive snow-capped peaks rising dramatically from the coastline shortly after departure.
Fairweather Range
Home to Mount Fairweather, which stands as a sentinel over the border of Alaska and British Columbia.
Glacier Bay National Park
Aerial perspective of deep fjords, tidewater glaciers, and the rugged wilderness of the interior park.
Brady Glacier
A sprawling river of ice located in the southernmost part of the Fairweather Range.
Lynn Canal
One of the deepest and longest fjords in the world, visible as you turn toward Juneau.
Sit on the left (port side) for the most iconic Alaskan scenery. Early morning flights are ideal as the rising sun illuminates the glacier faces. Keep an eye out immediately after takeoff for the Hubbard and Malaspina glaciers to the far north-west, though the Fairweather peaks will dominate your view for most of the flight. Polarized sunglasses will help reduce the glare from the snow and ice fields.
Gulf of Alaska
The vast, deep blue waters of the North Pacific meeting the rugged coastline.
Chichagof Island
Views of the dense Tongass National Forest and the intricate shorelines of the Alexander Archipelago.
Icy Strait
A major waterway for marine life; on clear days, you can spot the wake of humpback whales or transit vessels.
Outer Coast Beaches
Remote, windswept sandy beaches that are nearly inaccessible by land.
The right side is best for those who prefer the ocean horizon and coastal island geography. During evening flights, this side catches the sunset over the Pacific. While less mountainous, it offers a great perspective on the sheer isolation of the Southeast Alaskan islands. Look for fishing vessels in the straits during the summer commercial salmon seasons.
Distance: 318 km (198 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 32 min
Departure: YAK (59.503299713100006, -139.660003662)
Arrival: JNU (58.35499954223633, -134.57600402832028)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.