While the takeoff favors the left for Mount Rainier views, the landing approach on the right provides more consistent scenic value with Revillagigedo Island and Ketchikan's dramatic coastal setting. The right side captures the most visually distinctive portion of the flight.
Flown BFI to KTN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seattle to Ketchikan is 675 miles (1,086 km), a flight of about 2 hours 5 minutes.
The flight path northbound follows the Inside Passage corridor. Notable features include the San Juan Islands (visible as scattered landmasses in Puget Sound during early climb), the Strait of Georgia and British Columbia coastline, numerous fjords and inlets cutting into the mainland, dense temperate rainforest covering the coastal mountains, and the transition from Puget Sound geography into the narrower, more dramatic channels of Southeast Alaska. The route passes over or near the Inside Passage's major waterways including Clarence Strait and Behm Canal, with visibility of countless small islands, glacial valleys, and steep coastal mountains throughout the flight.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BFI
LEFTLeft side offers immediate views of the Cascade Range and Mount Rainier as you climb northbound out of Seattle. The right side faces the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains, which are lower and less dramatic during initial climb.
Landing at KTN
RIGHTRight side provides excellent views of Revillagigedo Island's rugged terrain, Tongass Narrows, and the approach to Ketchikan's waterfront setting. The left side faces open water and offers less distinctive scenery during descent.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI) to Ketchikan International (KTN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Ketchikan. While the takeoff favors the left for Mount Rainier views, the landing approach on the right provides more consistent scenic value with Revillagigedo Island and Ketchikan's dramatic coastal setting. The right side captures the most visually distinctive portion of the flight.
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 side offers immediate views of the Cascade Range and Mount Rainier as you climb northbound out of Seattle. The right side faces the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains, which are lower and less dramatic during initial climb. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier (14,410 ft, visible 50+ miles southeast), Cascade Range, Lake Union, Puget Sound.
What can I see when landing at Ketchikan International in Ketchikan?
When landing at Ketchikan International (KTN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides excellent views of Revillagigedo Island's rugged terrain, Tongass Narrows, and the approach to Ketchikan's waterfront setting. The left side faces open water and offers less distinctive scenery during descent. Notable sights include: Revillagigedo Island, Tongass Narrows, Ketchikan waterfront, coastal mountains and inlets.
How long is the flight from Seattle to Ketchikan?
The flight from Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI) to Ketchikan International (KTN) takes about 2 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 675 miles (1,086 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seattle to Ketchikan flight path pass over?
The flight path northbound follows the Inside Passage corridor. Notable features include the San Juan Islands (visible as scattered landmasses in Puget Sound during early climb), the Strait of Georgia and British Columbia coastline, numerous fjords and inlets cutting into the mainland, dense temperate rainforest covering the coastal mountains, and the transition from Puget Sound geography into the narrower, more dramatic channels of Southeast Alaska. The route passes over or near the Inside Passage's major waterways including Clarence Strait and Behm Canal, with visibility of countless small islands, glacial valleys, and steep coastal mountains throughout the flight.