While the Rockies give the left side a strong start, the right side sustains scenic interest longer with glimpses of Wyoming's ranges mid-flight and culminates in the far more striking Cascade and Mount Rainier approach into Seattle, giving it the edge over the full journey.
Flown DEN to SEA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Denver to Seattle is 1,022 miles (1,645 km), a flight of about 3 hours.
Southern Wyoming basin and ranges, the Snake River Plain of Idaho, and the Columbia Plateau of eastern Washington before the descent toward the Cascades
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DEN
LEFTDEN typically departs to the north before turning northwest toward Seattle, keeping the Front Range of the Rockies squarely on the left side during climb-out. Passengers get a clear view of the foothills and high peaks rising abruptly from the plains west of Denver.
Landing at SEA
RIGHTOn the final approach into SEA from the south, the aircraft tracks north past Tacoma with the Cascade foothills and Mount Rainier's snow-capped cone visible on the right, a far more dramatic sight than the hazier Olympic Mountains across Puget Sound on the left.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Denver International (DEN) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Denver to Seattle. While the Rockies give the left side a strong start, the right side sustains scenic interest longer with glimpses of Wyoming's ranges mid-flight and culminates in the far more striking Cascade and Mount Rainier approach into Seattle, giving it the edge over the full journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Denver International in Denver?
During takeoff from Denver International (DEN), sit on the Left side for the best views. DEN typically departs to the north before turning northwest toward Seattle, keeping the Front Range of the Rockies squarely on the left side during climb-out. Passengers get a clear view of the foothills and high peaks rising abruptly from the plains west of Denver. Notable sights include: Front Range foothills, Longs Peak, Mount Evans, high plains transition.
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. On the final approach into SEA from the south, the aircraft tracks north past Tacoma with the Cascade foothills and Mount Rainier's snow-capped cone visible on the right, a far more dramatic sight than the hazier Olympic Mountains across Puget Sound on the left. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier, Cascade Range foothills, Tacoma/South Puget Sound lowlands.
How long is the flight from Denver to Seattle?
The flight from Denver International (DEN) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) takes about 3 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 1,022 miles (1,645 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Denver to Seattle flight path pass over?
Southern Wyoming basin and ranges, the Snake River Plain of Idaho, and the Columbia Plateau of eastern Washington before the descent toward the Cascades