Right-side seats win for the full journey: Mount Rainier and the Cascades during Seattle departure, then the dramatic Sandia Mountains escarpment during Albuquerque arrival. The landing view is particularly striking.
Flown BFI to ABQ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seattle to Albuquerque is 1,182 miles (1,903 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Columbia River basin and the Blue Mountains of Oregon, then transitions into the high desert plateau of eastern Oregon and Idaho. The Snake River valley is visible in southern Idaho. The Great Basin terrain dominates central Nevada and Utah with the Wasatch Range visible to the east. The Colorado Plateau and Rio Grande rift zone appear as the aircraft approaches New Mexico, with the San Juan Mountains visible to the north before descent into the Albuquerque valley.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BFI
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Cascade Range as the aircraft climbs southeast from Seattle. The volcanic peaks of Mount Rainier and Mount Baker are visible on clear days during the initial climb-out phase.
Landing at ABQ
RIGHTRight-side seats provide excellent views of the Sandia Mountains during the descent into Albuquerque. The range's distinctive east-facing escarpment and the Rio Grande valley are prominent visual features on approach.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI) to Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Albuquerque. Right-side seats win for the full journey: Mount Rainier and the Cascades during Seattle departure, then the dramatic Sandia Mountains escarpment during Albuquerque arrival. The landing view is particularly striking.
What can I see during takeoff from Boeing Fld King Co International in Seattle?
During takeoff from Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Cascade Range as the aircraft climbs southeast from Seattle. The volcanic peaks of Mount Rainier and Mount Baker are visible on clear days during the initial climb-out phase. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier (14,411 ft, ~60 miles southeast), Mount Baker (10,781 ft, ~80 miles northeast), Puget Sound (immediate west), Lake Union and Lake Washington (visible below during climb).
What can I see when landing at Albuquerque International Sunport in Albuquerque?
When landing at Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats provide excellent views of the Sandia Mountains during the descent into Albuquerque. The range's distinctive east-facing escarpment and the Rio Grande valley are prominent visual features on approach. Notable sights include: Sandia Mountains (10,678 ft peak, immediately east of Albuquerque), Rio Grande valley (running north-south), Albuquerque urban area and grid pattern, Manzano Mountains (south of approach path).
How long is the flight from Seattle to Albuquerque?
The flight from Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI) to Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,182 miles (1,903 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seattle to Albuquerque flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Columbia River basin and the Blue Mountains of Oregon, then transitions into the high desert plateau of eastern Oregon and Idaho. The Snake River valley is visible in southern Idaho. The Great Basin terrain dominates central Nevada and Utah with the Wasatch Range visible to the east. The Colorado Plateau and Rio Grande rift zone appear as the aircraft approaches New Mexico, with the San Juan Mountains visible to the north before descent into the Albuquerque valley.