While takeoff from Akureyri favors the right side, the landing approach into Seattle from the left side is far more visually rewarding, with Mount Rainier and the Cascade Range providing dramatic scenery for an extended period. The left side captures the most iconic and sustained scenic highlight of the entire flight.
Flown AEY to SEA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Akureyri to Seattle is 3,658 miles (5,887 km), a flight of about 8 hours.
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic, passing south of Greenland and north of the Canadian Maritime provinces. Notable features include the Davis Strait between Greenland and Baffin Island (visible as a major water body if crossing at lower altitudes), the Canadian Arctic archipelago's islands appearing as dark landmasses, and the transition into North American airspace over northern Canada. The flight typically follows a great-circle route that takes it over remote, sparsely populated terrain with limited visible landmarks until approaching the Pacific Northwest, where the Cascade Range and coastal features become prominent.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from AEY
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Eyjafjörður fjord and the dramatic basalt formations of the North Iceland coastline as the aircraft climbs out. The fjord extends southward from Akureyri, providing clear water-to-land contrast during the initial climb.
Landing at SEA
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Seattle, showing the Cascade Range and Mount Rainier as the aircraft approaches from the northeast. The mountain dominates the landscape and is visible for the final 30+ minutes of descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Akureyri (AEY) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Akureyri to Seattle. While takeoff from Akureyri favors the right side, the landing approach into Seattle from the left side is far more visually rewarding, with Mount Rainier and the Cascade Range providing dramatic scenery for an extended period. The left side captures the most iconic and sustained scenic highlight of the entire flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Akureyri in Akureyri?
During takeoff from Akureyri (AEY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of Eyjafjörður fjord and the dramatic basalt formations of the North Iceland coastline as the aircraft climbs out. The fjord extends southward from Akureyri, providing clear water-to-land contrast during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Eyjafjörður fjord, Húsavík Bay to the northeast, basalt cliffs along the northern coast, Tröllaskagi peninsula to the west.
What can I see when landing at Seattle Tacoma International in Seattle?
When landing at Seattle Tacoma International (SEA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Seattle, showing the Cascade Range and Mount Rainier as the aircraft approaches from the northeast. The mountain dominates the landscape and is visible for the final 30+ minutes of descent. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier, Cascade Range, Puget Sound, Lake Washington.
How long is the flight from Akureyri to Seattle?
The flight from Akureyri (AEY) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) takes about 8 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 3,658 miles (5,887 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Akureyri to Seattle flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic, passing south of Greenland and north of the Canadian Maritime provinces. Notable features include the Davis Strait between Greenland and Baffin Island (visible as a major water body if crossing at lower altitudes), the Canadian Arctic archipelago's islands appearing as dark landmasses, and the transition into North American airspace over northern Canada. The flight typically follows a great-circle route that takes it over remote, sparsely populated terrain with limited visible landmarks until approaching the Pacific Northwest, where the Cascade Range and coastal features become prominent.