The right side wins overall because Mount Rainier and the Cascade Range provide the only truly dramatic terrain on this route, whereas the rest of the flight over the Great Plains and the flat MCI approach offers little contrast regardless of side.
Flown BFI to MCI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seattle to Kansas City is 1,487 miles (2,393 km), a flight of about 3 hours 10 minutes.
Rolling foothills of Montana and Wyoming near the Rocky Mountain front, transitioning into the flat expanse of the Great Plains across Nebraska and Kansas
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BFI
RIGHTDeparting BFI on runway 14 toward the southeast, the aircraft's right side faces south, putting Mount Rainier's massive snow-capped cone directly in view along with the southern Cascade peaks as the plane climbs out over the Puget Sound lowlands.
Landing at MCI
LEFTOn approach into MCI from the north, the left side offers glimpses of the Missouri River bend and downtown Kansas City's skyline in the distance before the final turn onto the north-south runways, a rare bit of visual interest over otherwise flat Midwest farmland.
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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 Kansas City International (MCI)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Kansas City. The right side wins overall because Mount Rainier and the Cascade Range provide the only truly dramatic terrain on this route, whereas the rest of the flight over the Great Plains and the flat MCI approach offers little contrast regardless of side.
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. Departing BFI on runway 14 toward the southeast, the aircraft's right side faces south, putting Mount Rainier's massive snow-capped cone directly in view along with the southern Cascade peaks as the plane climbs out over the Puget Sound lowlands. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier, Cascade Range foothills, Puget Sound inlets.
What can I see when landing at Kansas City International in Kansas City?
When landing at Kansas City International (MCI), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into MCI from the north, the left side offers glimpses of the Missouri River bend and downtown Kansas City's skyline in the distance before the final turn onto the north-south runways, a rare bit of visual interest over otherwise flat Midwest farmland. Notable sights include: Missouri River, Kansas City downtown skyline, checkerboard farmland.
How long is the flight from Seattle to Kansas City?
The flight from Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI) to Kansas City International (MCI) takes about 3 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,487 miles (2,393 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seattle to Kansas City flight path pass over?
Rolling foothills of Montana and Wyoming near the Rocky Mountain front, transitioning into the flat expanse of the Great Plains across Nebraska and Kansas