Takeoff views of the Cascades and Mount Rainier are more visually distinctive and dramatic than landing views. The mountain scenery outweighs the river confluence views on approach.
Flown BFI to PIT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seattle to Pittsburgh is 2,119 miles (3,410 km), a flight of about 5 hours 15 minutes.
Flight path crosses the northern Great Plains and upper Midwest. Notable features include the Columbia River basin (visible early), the transition from Pacific Northwest forests to grasslands around central Washington/Oregon, the Snake River Plain in Idaho, the Rocky Mountain foothills in Montana, and eventually the transition to the Great Lakes region and Appalachian terrain as you approach Pennsylvania. The flight crosses over or near Spokane, WA; Billings, MT; and Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN corridor.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BFI
RIGHTBFI typically departs to the south or southeast. Right-side seats offer views of the Cascade Range rising to the east, with Mount Rainier visible on clear days. Left side faces Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, which are lower and less dramatic from this angle.
Landing at PIT
LEFTApproaching PIT typically uses runways aligned northeast-southwest. Left-side seats on descent provide views of the Allegheny River valley, downtown Pittsburgh's Golden Triangle district, and the confluence of three rivers. Right side faces industrial areas and less distinctive terrain.
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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 Pittsburgh International (PIT)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Pittsburgh. Takeoff views of the Cascades and Mount Rainier are more visually distinctive and dramatic than landing views. The mountain scenery outweighs the river confluence views on approach.
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. BFI typically departs to the south or southeast. Right-side seats offer views of the Cascade Range rising to the east, with Mount Rainier visible on clear days. Left side faces Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, which are lower and less dramatic from this angle. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier (14,411 ft, ~60 miles southeast), Cascade Range spine, Lake Washington below, Puget Sound to the west.
What can I see when landing at Pittsburgh International in Pittsburgh?
When landing at Pittsburgh International (PIT), sit on the Left side for the best views. Approaching PIT typically uses runways aligned northeast-southwest. Left-side seats on descent provide views of the Allegheny River valley, downtown Pittsburgh's Golden Triangle district, and the confluence of three rivers. Right side faces industrial areas and less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Allegheny River (winding through the valley), Monongahela River, Ohio River confluence, downtown Pittsburgh skyline with Point State Park.
How long is the flight from Seattle to Pittsburgh?
The flight from Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI) to Pittsburgh International (PIT) takes about 5 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,119 miles (3,410 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seattle to Pittsburgh flight path pass over?
Flight path crosses the northern Great Plains and upper Midwest. Notable features include the Columbia River basin (visible early), the transition from Pacific Northwest forests to grasslands around central Washington/Oregon, the Snake River Plain in Idaho, the Rocky Mountain foothills in Montana, and eventually the transition to the Great Lakes region and Appalachian terrain as you approach Pennsylvania. The flight crosses over or near Spokane, WA; Billings, MT; and Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN corridor.