The left side delivers the more dramatic takeoff experience with Lake Washington and the Cascade backdrop, and during the cruise portion over the northern Rockies and Great Plains the left side faces south toward more populated and visually interesting terrain. The Charlotte landing view on the right is good but brief — the takeoff from BFI on the left is the highlight of this route.
Flown BFI to CLT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seattle to Charlotte is 2,275 miles (3,661 km), a flight of about 4 hours 45 minutes.
The flight tracks southeast over the northern Rocky Mountains in Idaho and Montana, then across Wyoming and the high plains, descending over Missouri and Tennessee. Notable features include the Snake River Plain in Idaho, the Bighorn Mountains in Wyoming visible as a distinct range, the Missouri River corridor, and the Appalachian ridgelines of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains as the aircraft descends toward Charlotte from the northwest.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BFI
LEFTBFI's primary departure runway is 13R, heading southeast, which puts the left side facing northeast toward Lake Washington and the Cascade Range. You get a clear view of the lake's full length and the volcanic peaks beyond as the aircraft climbs out over South Seattle.
Landing at CLT
RIGHTCharlotte Douglas primarily uses runways 18C/36C and 18L/36R oriented north-south. Arrivals from the west on runway 36 approach from the south, putting the right side facing west toward uptown Charlotte's skyline. You get a direct broadside view of the city center as the aircraft descends on final approach.
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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 Charlotte Douglas International (CLT)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Charlotte. The left side delivers the more dramatic takeoff experience with Lake Washington and the Cascade backdrop, and during the cruise portion over the northern Rockies and Great Plains the left side faces south toward more populated and visually interesting terrain. The Charlotte landing view on the right is good but brief — the takeoff from BFI on the left is the highlight of this route.
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 Left side for the best views. BFI's primary departure runway is 13R, heading southeast, which puts the left side facing northeast toward Lake Washington and the Cascade Range. You get a clear view of the lake's full length and the volcanic peaks beyond as the aircraft climbs out over South Seattle. Notable sights include: Lake Washington, Mount Rainier to the southeast, the Cascade Range to the east, Elliott Bay and downtown Seattle receding behind.
What can I see when landing at Charlotte Douglas International in Charlotte?
When landing at Charlotte Douglas International (CLT), sit on the Right side for the best views. Charlotte Douglas primarily uses runways 18C/36C and 18L/36R oriented north-south. Arrivals from the west on runway 36 approach from the south, putting the right side facing west toward uptown Charlotte's skyline. You get a direct broadside view of the city center as the aircraft descends on final approach. Notable sights include: Uptown Charlotte skyline, Lake Norman to the north, the Catawba River corridor, Charlotte Motor Speedway visible to the northeast on clear days.
How long is the flight from Seattle to Charlotte?
The flight from Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI) to Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) takes about 4 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,275 miles (3,661 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seattle to Charlotte flight path pass over?
The flight tracks southeast over the northern Rocky Mountains in Idaho and Montana, then across Wyoming and the high plains, descending over Missouri and Tennessee. Notable features include the Snake River Plain in Idaho, the Bighorn Mountains in Wyoming visible as a distinct range, the Missouri River corridor, and the Appalachian ridgelines of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains as the aircraft descends toward Charlotte from the northwest.