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 Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Denver to Seattle. The left side delivers the best views at both ends of the flight — the Rocky Mountain Front Range on departure and the Seattle urban waterfront on arrival. During the cruise over Idaho and eastern Washington, the left side also faces south toward the Snake River Plain and distant Cascade peaks as you begin descent.
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 westbound on runways 16R/34L or 25, and as the aircraft climbs and turns northwest toward Seattle, the left side faces south and southwest toward the Front Range of the Rockies. You get a clear view of the Denver metro sprawl giving way to the mountain wall, with the prominent peaks of the Front Range lined up along the horizon. Notable sights include: Front Range of the Rocky Mountains (Longs Peak, Mount Evans visible), Denver metro grid below, Cherry Creek Reservoir, foothills transition zone.
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 on runways 16L/16R, meaning the aircraft approaches from the north heading south. On the left side you get the eastern shore of Puget Sound, the Seattle skyline, and Elliott Bay directly to the east as you descend. The Olympic Mountains are visible to the right but the urban and water scenery on the left is more concentrated and dramatic. Notable sights include: Seattle skyline and Elliott Bay, Lake Washington, Puget Sound, Mount Rainier to the southeast.
How long is the flight from Denver to Seattle?
The flight from Denver International (DEN) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) takes Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.
What does the Denver to Seattle flight path pass over?
The flight crosses southern Wyoming or northern Colorado airspace, then tracks over southern Idaho including the Snake River Plain — a broad flat volcanic basin clearly visible from altitude. The Sawtooth Range and Bitterroot Mountains of central Idaho appear as rugged terrain below. As the route enters Washington state, the Columbia Plateau's dry channeled scablands are visible before the Cascades rise ahead, with Mount Adams and Mount Rainier appearing as isolated volcanic cones on the horizon during descent.