Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Kirtland A.f.b. to Seattle. While the right side wins at takeoff for the Sandias, the left side captures more of the flight's geographic highlights overall — including views of the Colorado Plateau and southern Cascades during cruise, and the spectacular Seattle approach over Puget Sound and the Olympic Peninsula. The left side also gets the Columbia River crossing in southern Washington.

During takeoff from Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), sit on the Right side for the best views. ABQ typically departs runway 08 (heading east) or 26 (heading west). On the more common westbound departure (Rwy 26), the aircraft turns northwest, putting the Sandia Mountains — a dramatic 10,000-ft granite escarpment rising 5,000 ft above the city — on the right side. The Rio Grande valley and the city grid are also clearly visible to the right during the climbing turn. Notable sights include: Sandia Mountains (Sandia Crest at 10,678 ft), Rio Grande valley, Albuquerque city grid, Jemez Mountains to the northwest.

When landing at Seattle Tacoma International (SEA), sit on the Left side for the best views. SEA primarily lands on runways 16L/16R (heading south) or 34L/34R (heading north). On the common southbound approach over Puget Sound, the left side offers views of downtown Seattle, Elliott Bay, and the Olympic Mountains across the water. The right side faces east toward the Cascades, which are also impressive, but the left side captures the iconic water-and-city combination. Notable sights include: Downtown Seattle skyline and Elliott Bay, Puget Sound, Olympic Mountains (across the Sound to the west), Lake Washington.

The flight from Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) takes Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours.

The route crosses the Colorado Plateau and Four Corners region of northern New Mexico and southern Utah, then tracks over the Great Basin of Nevada and southern Oregon. The Snake River Plain of southern Idaho may be visible depending on exact routing. The Cascade Range is crossed in southern Washington, with volcanic peaks including Mt. Adams and potentially Mt. Rainier visible. The Columbia River Gorge is crossed in the final descent phase.