The left side wins overall due to the spectacular Boston Harbor and downtown approach on landing, which is one of the most visually rewarding urban arrivals in the US. The right side is better for takeoff, but the left side also captures the northern Rockies, Great Lakes shoreline, and the Hudson Valley during cruise, making it the stronger seat for the full journey.
Flown BFI to BOS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seattle to Boston is 2,487 miles (4,003 km), a flight of about 5 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path typically tracks northeast over the northern Rockies and Montana, then across North Dakota and Minnesota where the Missouri and Mississippi River valleys are visible. Over the Great Lakes region, Lake Michigan and Lake Erie may be visible depending on exact routing. The Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York appear before descent into Boston, with the Hudson Valley and Vermont's Green Mountains visible in the final hour.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BFI
RIGHTBFI typically departs runway 13R heading southeast, then aircraft turn northeast toward Boston. The right side gives you a clear look at downtown Seattle, Elliott Bay, and the Space Needle before climbing out over Lake Washington. Left side faces industrial south Seattle and the Duwamish waterway.
Landing at BOS
LEFTLogan Airport sits on a peninsula in Boston Harbor, and aircraft typically approach from the west or southwest on runways 04L/04R or 22L/22R depending on wind. On a standard westerly approach to runway 22, the left side looks directly over downtown Boston, the Charles River, and Boston Harbor. Right side faces the open Atlantic.
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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 General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Boston. The left side wins overall due to the spectacular Boston Harbor and downtown approach on landing, which is one of the most visually rewarding urban arrivals in the US. The right side is better for takeoff, but the left side also captures the northern Rockies, Great Lakes shoreline, and the Hudson Valley during cruise, making it the stronger seat for the full journey.
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. BFI typically departs runway 13R heading southeast, then aircraft turn northeast toward Boston. The right side gives you a clear look at downtown Seattle, Elliott Bay, and the Space Needle before climbing out over Lake Washington. Left side faces industrial south Seattle and the Duwamish waterway. Notable sights include: Elliott Bay and downtown Seattle skyline, Lake Washington, Mercer Island, Mount Rainier on the distant southeastern horizon.
What can I see when landing at General Edward Lawrence Logan International in Boston?
When landing at General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Logan Airport sits on a peninsula in Boston Harbor, and aircraft typically approach from the west or southwest on runways 04L/04R or 22L/22R depending on wind. On a standard westerly approach to runway 22, the left side looks directly over downtown Boston, the Charles River, and Boston Harbor. Right side faces the open Atlantic. Notable sights include: Downtown Boston skyline, Boston Harbor and its islands, the Charles River and Cambridge, Logan Airport peninsula.
How long is the flight from Seattle to Boston?
The flight from Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI) to General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS) takes about 5 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,487 miles (4,003 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seattle to Boston flight path pass over?
The flight path typically tracks northeast over the northern Rockies and Montana, then across North Dakota and Minnesota where the Missouri and Mississippi River valleys are visible. Over the Great Lakes region, Lake Michigan and Lake Erie may be visible depending on exact routing. The Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York appear before descent into Boston, with the Hudson Valley and Vermont's Green Mountains visible in the final hour.