While left wins at takeoff, right dominates the longer landing sequence and provides the most dramatic views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains—the signature geography of the Seattle region. The landing experience outweighs the brief takeoff advantage.
Flown DEL to SEA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Delhi to Seattle is 7,048 miles (11,343 km), a flight of about 16 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Hindu Kush and Pamir Mountains (visible during the first 3-4 hours as a dramatic high-altitude mountain range), then traverses the Arctic regions north of Alaska and Canada. The Bering Strait and Aleutian Islands are visible on the descent into North America. The flight typically passes over or near the Alaska Range and Yukon Territory mountains before descending into the Pacific Northwest. No major landmarks are visible during the 8-10 hour polar night crossing over the Arctic Ocean and northern Canada.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DEL
LEFTDEL typically departs runway 09L or 09R (westbound). Left seats face north during initial climb, giving direct views of the Yamuna River's northern course and the Aravalli Range foothills. Right seats see the southern suburbs and airport infrastructure.
Landing at SEA
RIGHTSEA typically lands runway 16L or 16R (northbound). Right seats on approach face west, offering views of Puget Sound's eastern shoreline, the Olympic Mountains across the sound, and the Cascade Range to the east. Left seats see only the Cascade foothills and interior valleys.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Indira Gandhi International (DEL) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Delhi to Seattle. While left wins at takeoff, right dominates the longer landing sequence and provides the most dramatic views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains—the signature geography of the Seattle region. The landing experience outweighs the brief takeoff advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from Indira Gandhi International in Delhi?
During takeoff from Indira Gandhi International (DEL), sit on the Left side for the best views. DEL typically departs runway 09L or 09R (westbound). Left seats face north during initial climb, giving direct views of the Yamuna River's northern course and the Aravalli Range foothills. Right seats see the southern suburbs and airport infrastructure. Notable sights include: Yamuna River (flowing north-south through Delhi), Aravalli Range (low hills on the horizon to the northwest), Delhi Ridge (forested ridge visible to the north), Indus Valley plains extending westward.
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. SEA typically lands runway 16L or 16R (northbound). Right seats on approach face west, offering views of Puget Sound's eastern shoreline, the Olympic Mountains across the sound, and the Cascade Range to the east. Left seats see only the Cascade foothills and interior valleys. Notable sights include: Puget Sound (large inland sea, visible as a dark water body), Olympic Mountains (snow-capped range on the western horizon across the sound), Cascade Range (forested mountains to the east and southeast), Lake Washington (freshwater lake visible to the southeast before landing).
How long is the flight from Delhi to Seattle?
The flight from Indira Gandhi International (DEL) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) takes about 16 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 7,048 miles (11,343 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Delhi to Seattle flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Hindu Kush and Pamir Mountains (visible during the first 3-4 hours as a dramatic high-altitude mountain range), then traverses the Arctic regions north of Alaska and Canada. The Bering Strait and Aleutian Islands are visible on the descent into North America. The flight typically passes over or near the Alaska Range and Yukon Territory mountains before descending into the Pacific Northwest. No major landmarks are visible during the 8-10 hour polar night crossing over the Arctic Ocean and northern Canada.