The Rome departure views are split fairly evenly, but the left-side landing into SeaTac with simultaneous views of Mount Rainier, Elliott Bay, and the Seattle skyline is one of the most visually rewarding approaches in North America. Sitting left for the full flight also gives you better views of Greenland's ice sheet and the Canadian Rockies during the polar routing.
Flown FCO to SEA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Rome to Seattle is 5,673 miles (9,130 km), a flight of about 11 hours 30 minutes.
The great circle route from FCO to SEA tracks northwest over the Alps and France, crosses the North Atlantic near Iceland and southern Greenland where the ice sheet is visible, passes over the Canadian Arctic and Hudson Bay region, then descends over British Columbia with the Coast Mountains and Cascade Range visible before crossing into Washington State. The Greenland ice sheet and Canadian Rockies are the most visually dramatic midpoint features.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from FCO
RIGHTFCO's primary departure runway 16R/34L means northbound departures climb out heading roughly northwest, putting Rome's historic center and the Tiber River on the right side. You get a clear view of the city grid, the Tiber's distinctive curves, and the Castelli Romani hills to the southeast.
Landing at SEA
LEFTSeaTac primarily uses runways 16L/16C for southbound arrivals, meaning aircraft approach from the north over Puget Sound. The left side gives you Elliott Bay, downtown Seattle's skyline, and Mount Rainier dominating the southeast horizon, while the right side faces east toward the Cascade foothills.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Fiumicino (FCO) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Rome to Seattle. The Rome departure views are split fairly evenly, but the left-side landing into SeaTac with simultaneous views of Mount Rainier, Elliott Bay, and the Seattle skyline is one of the most visually rewarding approaches in North America. Sitting left for the full flight also gives you better views of Greenland's ice sheet and the Canadian Rockies during the polar routing.
What can I see during takeoff from Fiumicino in Rome?
During takeoff from Fiumicino (FCO), sit on the Right side for the best views. FCO's primary departure runway 16R/34L means northbound departures climb out heading roughly northwest, putting Rome's historic center and the Tiber River on the right side. You get a clear view of the city grid, the Tiber's distinctive curves, and the Castelli Romani hills to the southeast. Notable sights include: Tiber River curves through Rome, Vatican City dome of St. Peter's Basilica, Castelli Romani volcanic hills, Tyrrhenian Sea coastline.
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 primarily uses runways 16L/16C for southbound arrivals, meaning aircraft approach from the north over Puget Sound. The left side gives you Elliott Bay, downtown Seattle's skyline, and Mount Rainier dominating the southeast horizon, while the right side faces east toward the Cascade foothills. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier (14,411 ft), Elliott Bay and downtown Seattle skyline, Puget Sound, Olympic Mountains across the water.
How long is the flight from Rome to Seattle?
The flight from Fiumicino (FCO) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) takes about 11 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,673 miles (9,130 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Rome to Seattle flight path pass over?
The great circle route from FCO to SEA tracks northwest over the Alps and France, crosses the North Atlantic near Iceland and southern Greenland where the ice sheet is visible, passes over the Canadian Arctic and Hudson Bay region, then descends over British Columbia with the Coast Mountains and Cascade Range visible before crossing into Washington State. The Greenland ice sheet and Canadian Rockies are the most visually dramatic midpoint features.