While takeoff offers Lake Erie views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides superior scenery with Mount Rainier, the Cascade Range, and Puget Sound—more dramatic and visually distinctive than the Cleveland departure.
Flown CLE to BFI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Cleveland to Seattle is 2,015 miles (3,242 km), a flight of about 5 hours.
The flight path crosses the Great Lakes region (Lake Michigan visible from altitude), then transitions over the Upper Midwest plains and agricultural areas. Around the midpoint near Wisconsin/Minnesota, the terrain is relatively flat. As the flight progresses westward into Montana and Idaho, the Rocky Mountain foothills become visible on the horizon. The Bitterroot Range and Flathead region appear roughly 1.5 hours before arrival. The final approach descends over the Cascade Range foothills with Mount Rainier becoming increasingly prominent.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CLE
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Lake Erie immediately after departure. The aircraft climbs northwestward over the lake, providing clear water views and the Cleveland shoreline receding below.
Landing at BFI
LEFTLeft-side seats provide the best views during approach to Seattle. The aircraft descends over the Cascade Range foothills and Puget Sound, with Mount Rainier visible on the left (south) and the Olympic Mountains on the right (north) as the plane approaches from the east.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Cleveland Hopkins International (CLE) to Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Cleveland to Seattle. While takeoff offers Lake Erie views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides superior scenery with Mount Rainier, the Cascade Range, and Puget Sound—more dramatic and visually distinctive than the Cleveland departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Cleveland Hopkins International in Cleveland?
During takeoff from Cleveland Hopkins International (CLE), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of Lake Erie immediately after departure. The aircraft climbs northwestward over the lake, providing clear water views and the Cleveland shoreline receding below. Notable sights include: Lake Erie, Cleveland downtown skyline, Cuyahoga River mouth, Ohio coastline.
What can I see when landing at Boeing Fld King Co International in Seattle?
When landing at Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide the best views during approach to Seattle. The aircraft descends over the Cascade Range foothills and Puget Sound, with Mount Rainier visible on the left (south) and the Olympic Mountains on the right (north) as the plane approaches from the east. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier, Cascade Range foothills, Puget Sound, Olympic Mountains.
How long is the flight from Cleveland to Seattle?
The flight from Cleveland Hopkins International (CLE) to Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI) takes about 5 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 2,015 miles (3,242 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Cleveland to Seattle flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Great Lakes region (Lake Michigan visible from altitude), then transitions over the Upper Midwest plains and agricultural areas. Around the midpoint near Wisconsin/Minnesota, the terrain is relatively flat. As the flight progresses westward into Montana and Idaho, the Rocky Mountain foothills become visible on the horizon. The Bitterroot Range and Flathead region appear roughly 1.5 hours before arrival. The final approach descends over the Cascade Range foothills with Mount Rainier becoming increasingly prominent.