The right side scores higher due to superior scenery during both takeoff and landing. Departures from BHM on the right offer immediate Appalachian foothills views, while arrivals into SEA on the right provide dramatic Cascade Range and Puget Sound scenery. The left side offers only flat terrain on departure and less distinctive features on arrival, making it notably less scenic for the full flight.
Flown BHM to SEA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Birmingham to Seattle is 2,075 miles (3,340 km), a flight of about 4 hours 45 minutes.
Great Plains of Kansas and Oklahoma (flat, minimal landmarks), Rocky Mountains of Colorado and Wyoming (visible as distant ridgelines during cruise at altitude), Snake River Plain of Idaho (broad valley with river visible as linear feature), Blue Mountains and Wallowa Range of northeastern Oregon, Columbia River Gorge marking the Oregon-Washington border
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BHM
RIGHTRight-side departures from BHM typically use Runway 06 heading northeast, offering immediate views of the Appalachian foothills and the Tennessee River valley. Left-side departures on Runway 24 head southwest over relatively flat terrain toward Mississippi.
Landing at SEA
RIGHTRight-side approaches into SEA typically descend over the Cascade Range and Puget Sound, offering dramatic mountain views and water scenery. Left-side approaches descend over flatter terrain east of the Cascades or over open water with less visual interest.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Birmingham International (BHM) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Birmingham to Seattle. The right side scores higher due to superior scenery during both takeoff and landing. Departures from BHM on the right offer immediate Appalachian foothills views, while arrivals into SEA on the right provide dramatic Cascade Range and Puget Sound scenery. The left side offers only flat terrain on departure and less distinctive features on arrival, making it notably less scenic for the full flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Birmingham International in Birmingham?
During takeoff from Birmingham International (BHM), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side departures from BHM typically use Runway 06 heading northeast, offering immediate views of the Appalachian foothills and the Tennessee River valley. Left-side departures on Runway 24 head southwest over relatively flat terrain toward Mississippi. Notable sights include: Appalachian ridgelines to the northeast, Tennessee River valley, Birmingham urban sprawl transitioning to forested hills.
What can I see when landing at Seattle Tacoma International in Seattle?
When landing at Seattle Tacoma International (SEA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side approaches into SEA typically descend over the Cascade Range and Puget Sound, offering dramatic mountain views and water scenery. Left-side approaches descend over flatter terrain east of the Cascades or over open water with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Cascade Range peaks (Mount Rainier visible on clear days), Puget Sound, Seattle waterfront and Elliott Bay, San Juan Islands.
How long is the flight from Birmingham to Seattle?
The flight from Birmingham International (BHM) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) takes about 4 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,075 miles (3,340 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Birmingham to Seattle flight path pass over?
Great Plains of Kansas and Oklahoma (flat, minimal landmarks), Rocky Mountains of Colorado and Wyoming (visible as distant ridgelines during cruise at altitude), Snake River Plain of Idaho (broad valley with river visible as linear feature), Blue Mountains and Wallowa Range of northeastern Oregon, Columbia River Gorge marking the Oregon-Washington border