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 Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Fairbanks to Seattle. The left side delivers the Alaska Range on departure and tracks the Canadian Rockies and Coast Mountains through British Columbia during the cruise, including views of the St. Elias ranges and eventually the Cascades on descent. The right side at landing is excellent but covers only the final 20 minutes. Left wins for the full-flight mountain scenery.
What can I see during takeoff from Eielson Afb in Fairbanks?
During takeoff from Eielson Afb (EIL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Eielson AFB runways are oriented roughly east-west (runway 12/30). Departing southwest toward Seattle, the left (south) side gives views of the Alaska Range including the prominent Hayes and Deborah massifs rising above the Tanana Valley flats. The right side looks north over boreal forest toward the Yukon River lowlands. Notable sights include: Alaska Range (Mt. Hayes, Mt. Deborah), Tanana River braided channels, Fairbanks city and UAF campus to the northwest, Delta Junction agricultural clearings.
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. SeaTac approaches from the north on runways 16L/16R, meaning the aircraft tracks southward on final. The right (west) side looks out over Puget Sound, the Olympic Peninsula, and the full sweep of Elliott Bay and downtown Seattle. The left side faces east toward the Cascades but is partially obscured by the fuselage angle on approach. Notable sights include: Elliott Bay and downtown Seattle skyline, Puget Sound and Vashon Island, Olympic Mountains across the Sound, Mount Rainier to the southeast.
How long is the flight from Fairbanks to Seattle?
The flight from Eielson Afb (EIL) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) takes Approximately 3 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 45 minutes.
What does the Fairbanks to Seattle flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Wrangell-St. Elias ranges in eastern Alaska, then tracks over the Coast Mountains of British Columbia including the heavily glaciated ranges near Juneau and the Stikine Icefield. Over central BC the route passes above the Interior Plateau before crossing into Washington State over the North Cascades, with Mt. Baker visible to the left and the Cascades crest below.