Seeing Columbia Glacier from a plane5 ★
One of the fastest-retreating glaciers in the world, pulling back about 12 miles since 1980. Its icebergs are why the Exxon Valdez left the shipping lane in 1989 before grounding on Bligh Reef.
4 of our routes pass it. Alaska · rated 6 of 10
The easy pick
Seattle to Anchorage: sit on the right, 171 min after takeoff.
Which side, by route
| Route | Side | When |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta to Tokyo | Left Best seat for the whole flight: right | 378 min after takeoff |
| Detroit to Tokyo | Left Best seat for the whole flight: right | 340 min after takeoff |
| Minneapolis to Anchorage | Right Best seat for the whole flight: left | 318 min after takeoff |
| Seattle to Anchorage | Right | 171 min after takeoff |
From the real paths of every nonstop on these routes in the last 10 days, at the usual time of day. Where the best seat for the whole flight is on the other side, you'd trade this sight for more elsewhere.
Questions
Which side of the plane do you see Columbia Glacier from?
It depends on the direction: the left on most of our routes (2 of 4). The table lists each route's side.
When can you see Columbia Glacier from a plane?
Mid-flight: see the table for when on each route.
Do clouds matter?
Yes. These answers assume a clear day. Within 3 days of your flight, pick your exact flight in the app for the cloud forecast.
More
Mount Marcus Baker Childs Glacier Mount Drum Mount Tom White Mount Blackburn Atlanta (ATL) Tokyo (HND) Detroit (DTW) Minneapolis (MSP) All routes