Right-side seats win overall because the takeoff scenery (Mount Rainier and the Cascades) is more visually dramatic and memorable than the landing approach. The landing view is pleasant but relatively flat and urban; the departure offers genuine alpine scenery.
Flown BFI to CPH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seattle to Copenhagen is 4,848 miles (7,802 km), a flight of about 10 hours.
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic, passing north of Greenland's southern tip and south of Iceland. Notable features include the Greenland ice sheet (visible as a massive white expanse if flying over southern Greenland), the North Atlantic's open ocean (featureless but dramatic at altitude), and the Norwegian Sea. As the aircraft approaches Europe, the Norwegian coastline (fjords and mountains) becomes visible, followed by the North Sea, and finally the Danish and Swedish coasts before descent into Copenhagen.
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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 eastward from Seattle. The aircraft typically departs to the east or northeast, making the right side the scenic advantage for the first 15-20 minutes of flight.
Landing at CPH
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Copenhagen. The aircraft approaches from the west over the Øresund Strait and Danish coastline, and left-side windows face the water, Swedish coast, and the approach path over Zealand island where Copenhagen sits.
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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 Kastrup (CPH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Copenhagen. Right-side seats win overall because the takeoff scenery (Mount Rainier and the Cascades) is more visually dramatic and memorable than the landing approach. The landing view is pleasant but relatively flat and urban; the departure offers genuine alpine scenery.
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 eastward from Seattle. The aircraft typically departs to the east or northeast, making the right side the scenic advantage for the first 15-20 minutes of flight. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier (14,411 ft, ~60 miles southeast), Cascade Range peaks, Lake Washington, Puget Sound.
What can I see when landing at Kastrup in Copenhagen?
When landing at Kastrup (CPH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Copenhagen. The aircraft approaches from the west over the Øresund Strait and Danish coastline, and left-side windows face the water, Swedish coast, and the approach path over Zealand island where Copenhagen sits. Notable sights include: Øresund Strait, Swedish coastline (Scania region), Amager Island, Copenhagen harbor and city lights.
How long is the flight from Seattle to Copenhagen?
The flight from Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI) to Kastrup (CPH) takes about 10 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 4,848 miles (7,802 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seattle to Copenhagen flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic, passing north of Greenland's southern tip and south of Iceland. Notable features include the Greenland ice sheet (visible as a massive white expanse if flying over southern Greenland), the North Atlantic's open ocean (featureless but dramatic at altitude), and the Norwegian Sea. As the aircraft approaches Europe, the Norwegian coastline (fjords and mountains) becomes visible, followed by the North Sea, and finally the Danish and Swedish coasts before descent into Copenhagen.