The takeoff climb offers more dramatic and sustained mountain scenery from the left side. While the landing approach on the right is scenic, the left-side views of the Front Range and Cascades during climb-out provide the most visually distinctive portion of the flight.
Flown BJC to SEA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Denver to Seattle is 1,001 miles (1,612 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Wyoming basin and enters the Cascade Range from the east. Notable midpoint features include the Laramie Range (visible from both sides during climb), the Green River basin, the Wind River Range (far to the north), and the transition into the Pacific Northwest terrain with increasing forest coverage and elevation as the aircraft approaches the Cascades. Mount Rainier becomes visible from the south roughly 30 minutes before landing.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BJC
LEFTLeft side offers immediate views of the Front Range peaks as the aircraft climbs northwestward out of Denver. The Rocky Mountains dominate the western horizon during initial climb, with clear sightlines to multiple summits.
Landing at SEA
RIGHTRight side provides excellent views during the descent approach into Seattle-Tacoma. The aircraft descends from the east over the Cascade Range, and right-side seats capture the dramatic transition from mountains to Puget Sound and the Seattle waterfront.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Denver to Seattle. The takeoff climb offers more dramatic and sustained mountain scenery from the left side. While the landing approach on the right is scenic, the left-side views of the Front Range and Cascades during climb-out provide the most visually distinctive portion of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport in Denver?
During takeoff from Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers immediate views of the Front Range peaks as the aircraft climbs northwestward out of Denver. The Rocky Mountains dominate the western horizon during initial climb, with clear sightlines to multiple summits. Notable sights include: Front Range peaks (including Mount Evans and Mount Bierstadt), South Platte River valley below Denver, Denver metro sprawl to the east.
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 provides excellent views during the descent approach into Seattle-Tacoma. The aircraft descends from the east over the Cascade Range, and right-side seats capture the dramatic transition from mountains to Puget Sound and the Seattle waterfront. Notable sights include: Cascade Range peaks, Puget Sound, Lake Washington, Seattle downtown skyline.
How long is the flight from Denver to Seattle?
The flight from Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,001 miles (1,612 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Denver to Seattle flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Wyoming basin and enters the Cascade Range from the east. Notable midpoint features include the Laramie Range (visible from both sides during climb), the Green River basin, the Wind River Range (far to the north), and the transition into the Pacific Northwest terrain with increasing forest coverage and elevation as the aircraft approaches the Cascades. Mount Rainier becomes visible from the south roughly 30 minutes before landing.