The great-circle route from Helsinki to Seattle bulges dramatically north, peaking near 79°N, so for most of the long cruise the right side of the aircraft faces Norway's coast, then Greenland's ice cap and fjords, then the Arctic islands of Canada — a rare, extraordinary sweep of polar scenery that outweighs the left side's pleasant but shorter takeoff and landing highlights.
Flown HEL to SEA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Helsinki to Seattle is 4,768 miles (7,673 km), a flight of about 9 hours 50 minutes.
The route's high-latitude apex passes near Greenland's ice sheet and fjord coastline, with Davis Strait and the Arctic tundra of Baffin Island visible along the same stretch before the path curves southwest toward Hudson Bay and central Canada.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from HEL
LEFTDeparting HEL toward the southwest before turning right onto the polar routing, the turn sweeps Helsinki's skyline, harbor, and the island-studded Gulf of Finland coastline into view on the left side of the aircraft.
Landing at SEA
LEFTOn the descent into SEA, the approach path from the north lines the aircraft up heading south, putting the snow-capped Cascade Range and Mount Rainier's unmistakable volcanic cone directly off the left side as the plane drops toward Puget Sound.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Helsinki Vantaa (HEL) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Helsinki to Seattle. The great-circle route from Helsinki to Seattle bulges dramatically north, peaking near 79°N, so for most of the long cruise the right side of the aircraft faces Norway's coast, then Greenland's ice cap and fjords, then the Arctic islands of Canada — a rare, extraordinary sweep of polar scenery that outweighs the left side's pleasant but shorter takeoff and landing highlights.
What can I see during takeoff from Helsinki Vantaa in Helsinki?
During takeoff from Helsinki Vantaa (HEL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing HEL toward the southwest before turning right onto the polar routing, the turn sweeps Helsinki's skyline, harbor, and the island-studded Gulf of Finland coastline into view on the left side of the aircraft. Notable sights include: Helsinki city center and harbor, Suomenlinna island fortress, Gulf of Finland archipelago, Baltic 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. On the descent into SEA, the approach path from the north lines the aircraft up heading south, putting the snow-capped Cascade Range and Mount Rainier's unmistakable volcanic cone directly off the left side as the plane drops toward Puget Sound. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier, Cascade Range foothills, Lake Washington, forested Cascade foothills.
How long is the flight from Helsinki to Seattle?
The flight from Helsinki Vantaa (HEL) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) takes about 9 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,768 miles (7,673 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Helsinki to Seattle flight path pass over?
The route's high-latitude apex passes near Greenland's ice sheet and fjord coastline, with Davis Strait and the Arctic tundra of Baffin Island visible along the same stretch before the path curves southwest toward Hudson Bay and central Canada.