About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Cleveland Hopkins International (CLE) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Cleveland to Seattle. The left side wins both the departure and arrival. Over Lake Erie at takeoff and Mount Rainier on approach, the left seat delivers the two most visually distinctive moments of the flight. Across the Rockies and northern Great Plains, both sides are broadly similar, but the left side also picks up better views of the northern Rockies and Cascades during cruise.
What can I see during takeoff from Cleveland Hopkins International in Cleveland?
During takeoff from Cleveland Hopkins International (CLE), sit on the Left side for the best views. CLE typically departs westbound on runway 24L/24R or eastbound on 6L/6R. On a westbound departure toward SEA, the aircraft banks right and north, putting Lake Erie and the Cleveland lakefront on the left side. You get a clear view of the downtown skyline, the Cuyahoga River mouth, and the broad expanse of Lake Erie stretching to the horizon. Notable sights include: Lake Erie shoreline, Cleveland downtown skyline, Cuyahoga River mouth, Burke Lakefront Airport.
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. SeaTac typically lands northbound on runways 16L/16R from the south, meaning the approach comes in over the south Sound. The left side faces east, giving you a direct view of Mount Rainier dominating the eastern horizon, with the Cascade Range extending north and south. This is one of the most dramatic mountain views available on any US domestic approach. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier, Cascade Range, Puget Sound, Lake Washington.
How long is the flight from Cleveland to Seattle?
The flight from Cleveland Hopkins International (CLE) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) takes Approximately 4 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours.
What does the Cleveland to Seattle flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northwest across northern Indiana and Illinois, then over Wisconsin or southern Minnesota, across the northern Great Plains of North Dakota and Montana, over the northern Rocky Mountains including the Glacier National Park region and the Continental Divide, then descending across the Cascades into the Puget Sound basin. The Rockies crossing over Montana is the most dramatic midpoint feature, with broad river valleys, snow-capped peaks, and visible glaciated terrain at cruise altitude.