While takeoff favors the right for Mount Rainier views, the landing approach on the left side offers more sustained and dramatic mountain scenery (Santa Catalina and Rincon ranges) that dominates the final 30 minutes of flight. The landing experience outweighs the brief takeoff advantage.
Flown BFI to TUS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seattle to Tucson is 1,221 miles (1,965 km), a flight of about 2 hours 55 minutes.
The flight path crosses central Oregon and northern California. Notable features include the Cascade Range (visible on the right during climb-out), the high desert plateau of central Oregon, the Sierra Nevada range (visible on the right as the flight progresses south), and the transition into the Basin and Range topography of Nevada and Arizona. The Great Basin's characteristic north-south trending mountain ranges and valleys become increasingly prominent as the aircraft approaches Arizona.
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 and southeast, particularly Mount Rainier when weather permits. Left side faces the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains, which are closer but less dramatic from this altitude.
Landing at TUS
LEFTTucson typically lands from the north or northeast on Runway 11L/11R. Left-side seats provide views of the Santa Catalina Mountains to the north and the Rincon Mountains to the east, which frame the airport's approach. Right side faces the flatter desert terrain south of the airport with fewer distinctive features.
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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 Tucson International (TUS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Tucson. While takeoff favors the right for Mount Rainier views, the landing approach on the left side offers more sustained and dramatic mountain scenery (Santa Catalina and Rincon ranges) that dominates the final 30 minutes of flight. The landing experience outweighs the brief takeoff 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 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 and southeast, particularly Mount Rainier when weather permits. Left side faces the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains, which are closer but less dramatic from this altitude. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier (Cascade Range, ~50 miles southeast), Lake Union and Lake Washington (immediate vicinity below), Puget Sound (west), Olympic Mountains (northwest).
What can I see when landing at Tucson International in Tucson?
When landing at Tucson International (TUS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Tucson typically lands from the north or northeast on Runway 11L/11R. Left-side seats provide views of the Santa Catalina Mountains to the north and the Rincon Mountains to the east, which frame the airport's approach. Right side faces the flatter desert terrain south of the airport with fewer distinctive features. Notable sights include: Santa Catalina Mountains (north of airport, ~15 miles), Rincon Mountains (east, ~20 miles), Tucson city grid (south and west), Saguaro National Park East (southeast, visible as darker vegetation).
How long is the flight from Seattle to Tucson?
The flight from Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI) to Tucson International (TUS) takes about 2 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,221 miles (1,965 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seattle to Tucson flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Oregon and northern California. Notable features include the Cascade Range (visible on the right during climb-out), the high desert plateau of central Oregon, the Sierra Nevada range (visible on the right as the flight progresses south), and the transition into the Basin and Range topography of Nevada and Arizona. The Great Basin's characteristic north-south trending mountain ranges and valleys become increasingly prominent as the aircraft approaches Arizona.