This is an extremely short flight (5-10 minutes) with minimal altitude gain. Right seats during takeoff offer the best scenic value by capturing Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains immediately. The landing approach is too brief to offer sustained views from either side.
Flown BFI to SEA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Boeing Fld King Co International to Seattle Tacoma International is 5 miles (9 km), a flight of about 50 minutes.
This flight is so short that there is no meaningful midpoint. The aircraft climbs to roughly 5,000-8,000 feet over Elliott Bay before beginning descent into SEA. The entire route stays within view of Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains to the west, and the Cascade Range to the northeast. No significant geographic features are crossed during the flight path itself.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BFI
RIGHTBFI sits on the east shore of Elliott Bay. Right-side seats offer immediate views of Puget Sound's western waters and the Olympic Mountains across the sound. Left seats face inland toward the city and lose water views quickly.
Landing at SEA
LEFTSEA lies south-southeast of BFI across Puget Sound. Left-side seats during approach capture views of the sound itself, the Duwamish River delta, and the approach path over water before landing. Right seats face inland toward developed areas.
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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 Seattle Tacoma International (SEA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Seattle. This is an extremely short flight (5-10 minutes) with minimal altitude gain. Right seats during takeoff offer the best scenic value by capturing Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains immediately. The landing approach is too brief to offer sustained views from either 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. BFI sits on the east shore of Elliott Bay. Right-side seats offer immediate views of Puget Sound's western waters and the Olympic Mountains across the sound. Left seats face inland toward the city and lose water views quickly. Notable sights include: Elliott Bay (immediately below during climb), Olympic Mountains (southwest across Puget Sound), Cascade Range (distant northeast), Seattle downtown skyline (south).
What can I see when landing at Seattle Tacoma International in Seattle?
When landing at Seattle Tacoma International (SEA), sit on the Left side for the best views. SEA lies south-southeast of BFI across Puget Sound. Left-side seats during approach capture views of the sound itself, the Duwamish River delta, and the approach path over water before landing. Right seats face inland toward developed areas. Notable sights include: Puget Sound (crossing during descent), Duwamish River delta (south of BFI), Vashon Island (west in sound), Cascade Range (distant eastern horizon).
How long is the flight from Seattle to Seattle?
The flight from Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) takes about 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5 miles (9 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seattle to Seattle flight path pass over?
This flight is so short that there is no meaningful midpoint. The aircraft climbs to roughly 5,000-8,000 feet over Elliott Bay before beginning descent into SEA. The entire route stays within view of Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains to the west, and the Cascade Range to the northeast. No significant geographic features are crossed during the flight path itself.