Right-side seats win for the entire flight. Eastbound departure from Seattle offers Mount Rainier and the Cascades, while the southeasterly flight path and approach into Austin from the north favor right-side views of the Colorado River valley and Hill Country terrain throughout the descent.
Flown BFI to AUS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seattle to Austin is 1,772 miles (2,852 km), a flight of about 5 hours.
The flight path crosses the Columbia River Plateau (eastern Washington and Oregon), characterized by relatively flat, arid terrain with sparse vegetation. The Blue Mountains of northeastern Oregon and the Wallowa Range appear as distant ridges. As the route continues southeast into Idaho and then toward Utah, the terrain becomes increasingly mountainous with the Great Basin visible. The flight typically passes east of the Sierra Nevada and crosses the high desert regions of Nevada and Utah before entering Arizona and New Mexico. The Rio Grande becomes visible as the aircraft approaches Texas from the northwest. The Edwards Plateau and Llano Uplift geological formations create the distinctive Hill Country topography visible during the final descent into Austin.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BFI
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Cascade Range and Mount Rainier during the initial climb-out eastbound from Seattle. The aircraft departs BFI heading southeast, and right-side windows capture the dramatic volcanic peaks that dominate the eastern horizon.
Landing at AUS
RIGHTRight-side seats provide views of the Colorado River and the Texas Hill Country terrain during descent into Austin. The aircraft approaches from the north, and right-side windows show the river valley and the distinctive rolling limestone hills that characterize the region.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI) to Austin Bergstrom International (AUS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Austin. Right-side seats win for the entire flight. Eastbound departure from Seattle offers Mount Rainier and the Cascades, while the southeasterly flight path and approach into Austin from the north favor right-side views of the Colorado River valley and Hill Country terrain throughout the descent.
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 and Mount Rainier during the initial climb-out eastbound from Seattle. The aircraft departs BFI heading southeast, and right-side windows capture the dramatic volcanic peaks that dominate the eastern horizon. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier (14,411 ft, ~60 miles southeast), Cascade Range, Lake Washington (directly below during initial climb), Puget Sound (western edge).
What can I see when landing at Austin Bergstrom International in Austin?
When landing at Austin Bergstrom International (AUS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats provide views of the Colorado River and the Texas Hill Country terrain during descent into Austin. The aircraft approaches from the north, and right-side windows show the river valley and the distinctive rolling limestone hills that characterize the region. Notable sights include: Colorado River (visible as a winding waterway through the landscape), Texas Hill Country (rolling terrain with limestone outcrops), Lake Travis (large reservoir northwest of Austin), Austin city grid (visible during final approach).
How long is the flight from Seattle to Austin?
The flight from Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI) to Austin Bergstrom International (AUS) takes about 5 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 1,772 miles (2,852 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seattle to Austin flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Columbia River Plateau (eastern Washington and Oregon), characterized by relatively flat, arid terrain with sparse vegetation. The Blue Mountains of northeastern Oregon and the Wallowa Range appear as distant ridges. As the route continues southeast into Idaho and then toward Utah, the terrain becomes increasingly mountainous with the Great Basin visible. The flight typically passes east of the Sierra Nevada and crosses the high desert regions of Nevada and Utah before entering Arizona and New Mexico. The Rio Grande becomes visible as the aircraft approaches Texas from the northwest. The Edwards Plateau and Llano Uplift geological formations create the distinctive Hill Country topography visible during the final descent into Austin.