The right side wins overall because it captures the dramatic Alaska Range and Denali at takeoff, plus continuous mountain and coastal scenery along the Coast Mountains and Cascades during cruise, giving it more sustained visual variety than the left side's flatter interior views.
Flown EIL to SEA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Fairbanks to Seattle is 1,506 miles (2,424 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
Wrangell-St. Elias mountains, Coast Mountains of British Columbia, Fraser River valley, Strait of Georgia and Vancouver Island
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from EIL
RIGHTDeparting Eielson/Fairbanks southbound, the Alaska Range rises dramatically to the west, with Denali often visible as a massive snow-capped peak dominating the horizon. The left side shows only the flat, forested Tanana Valley.
Landing at SEA
LEFTOn approach to Seattle from the north, the descent path puts Mount Rainier's massive volcanic cone squarely on the left side, towering over the Cascade foothills. The right side shows the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound, but Rainier's scale and proximity make the left side more striking.
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Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Eielson Afb (EIL) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Fairbanks to Seattle. The right side wins overall because it captures the dramatic Alaska Range and Denali at takeoff, plus continuous mountain and coastal scenery along the Coast Mountains and Cascades during cruise, giving it more sustained visual variety than the left side's flatter interior views.
What can I see during takeoff from Eielson Afb in Fairbanks?
During takeoff from Eielson Afb (EIL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Eielson/Fairbanks southbound, the Alaska Range rises dramatically to the west, with Denali often visible as a massive snow-capped peak dominating the horizon. The left side shows only the flat, forested Tanana Valley. Notable sights include: Alaska Range, Denali (Mount McKinley), Tanana River valley.
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. On approach to Seattle from the north, the descent path puts Mount Rainier's massive volcanic cone squarely on the left side, towering over the Cascade foothills. The right side shows the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound, but Rainier's scale and proximity make the left side more striking. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier, Cascade foothills, Lake Washington, Seattle skyline.
How long is the flight from Fairbanks to Seattle?
The flight from Eielson Afb (EIL) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,506 miles (2,424 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Fairbanks to Seattle flight path pass over?
Wrangell-St. Elias mountains, Coast Mountains of British Columbia, Fraser River valley, Strait of Georgia and Vancouver Island