Left seats provide superior views during both departure (Mount Rainier and Cascades) and offer better positioning for viewing the North Atlantic and Iceland's interior during cruise. The takeoff scenery is particularly dramatic and justifies the left-side advantage.
Flown BFI to KEF? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seattle to Keflavik is 3,606 miles (5,804 km), a flight of about 7 hours 20 minutes.
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic at high latitude. Notable features include the Canadian Maritime provinces (Nova Scotia, Newfoundland) visible during the first 2-3 hours, the open Atlantic Ocean for 5-6 hours with occasional views of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge's influence on water color and wave patterns, and Greenland's eastern coast or Denmark Strait visible 1-2 hours before reaching Iceland. The approach to Iceland reveals the Reykjanes Peninsula's volcanic terrain and the southern coastline with its characteristic black sand beaches.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BFI
LEFTLeft seats face northeast during departure, capturing the Cascade Range and Mount Rainier as the aircraft climbs. Right seats look southwest over Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, which are less dramatic during initial climb-out.
Landing at KEF
RIGHTRight seats face south-southwest during approach to Keflavik, offering views of Iceland's dramatic southern coastline, black sand beaches, and the Atlantic Ocean. Left seats see the interior plateau and glaciers, which are less visually distinctive during final descent.
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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 Keflavik Nas (KEF)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Keflavik. Left seats provide superior views during both departure (Mount Rainier and Cascades) and offer better positioning for viewing the North Atlantic and Iceland's interior during cruise. The takeoff scenery is particularly dramatic and justifies the left-side advantage.
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. Left seats face northeast during departure, capturing the Cascade Range and Mount Rainier as the aircraft climbs. Right seats look southwest over Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, which are less dramatic during initial climb-out. 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 Keflavik Nas in Keflavik?
When landing at Keflavik Nas (KEF), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats face south-southwest during approach to Keflavik, offering views of Iceland's dramatic southern coastline, black sand beaches, and the Atlantic Ocean. Left seats see the interior plateau and glaciers, which are less visually distinctive during final descent. Notable sights include: Atlantic Ocean coastline, black sand beaches, Reykjanes Peninsula lava fields, distant glaciers (Vatnajökull or Langjökull).
How long is the flight from Seattle to Keflavik?
The flight from Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI) to Keflavik Nas (KEF) takes about 7 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,606 miles (5,804 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seattle to Keflavik flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic at high latitude. Notable features include the Canadian Maritime provinces (Nova Scotia, Newfoundland) visible during the first 2-3 hours, the open Atlantic Ocean for 5-6 hours with occasional views of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge's influence on water color and wave patterns, and Greenland's eastern coast or Denmark Strait visible 1-2 hours before reaching Iceland. The approach to Iceland reveals the Reykjanes Peninsula's volcanic terrain and the southern coastline with its characteristic black sand beaches.