The left side delivers Hong Kong's harbor and mountain skyline on departure and Mount Rainier's dramatic profile on arrival, bookending a long transpacific crossing with two genuinely striking scenes, while the right side mostly faces open water and the Olympic Mountains at a greater distance.
Flown HKG to SEA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Hong Kong to Seattle is 6,488 miles (10,442 km), a flight of about 11 hours 5 minutes.
The route arcs north over mainland China's Guangdong and Hunan hills, across Mongolia's steppe and the vast Siberian taiga, then passes near the volcanic peaks of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula before crossing the Bering Sea into Alaska. It continues south over the Alaska Range and British Columbia's Coast Mountains before descending into Puget Sound.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from HKG
LEFTDeparting HKG, the initial climb and left turn onto the northbound routing banks the aircraft toward Lantau Island and the Hong Kong skyline, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of the harbor, Kowloon peaks, and the green ridgelines of Lantau before the plane straightens out over the Pearl River Delta. The right side mostly faces open South China Sea during this turn.
Landing at SEA
LEFTWith south winds favoring the 16 approach, the aircraft descends southbound over Puget Sound, putting the Cascade Range on the left side of the cabin. Mount Rainier's snow-capped cone dominates the eastern horizon during the final descent, a landmark the right side (facing the Olympic Mountains and open water) can't match in prominence.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Hong Kong International (HKG) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Hong Kong to Seattle. The left side delivers Hong Kong's harbor and mountain skyline on departure and Mount Rainier's dramatic profile on arrival, bookending a long transpacific crossing with two genuinely striking scenes, while the right side mostly faces open water and the Olympic Mountains at a greater distance.
What can I see during takeoff from Hong Kong International in Hong Kong?
During takeoff from Hong Kong International (HKG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing HKG, the initial climb and left turn onto the northbound routing banks the aircraft toward Lantau Island and the Hong Kong skyline, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of the harbor, Kowloon peaks, and the green ridgelines of Lantau before the plane straightens out over the Pearl River Delta. The right side mostly faces open South China Sea during this turn. Notable sights include: Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island skyline, Lantau Island peaks near Tian Tan Buddha, Kowloon's hills, Pearl River Delta 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. With south winds favoring the 16 approach, the aircraft descends southbound over Puget Sound, putting the Cascade Range on the left side of the cabin. Mount Rainier's snow-capped cone dominates the eastern horizon during the final descent, a landmark the right side (facing the Olympic Mountains and open water) can't match in prominence. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier, Cascade foothills east of Puget Sound, Lake Washington, downtown Seattle skyline.
How long is the flight from Hong Kong to Seattle?
The flight from Hong Kong International (HKG) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) takes about 11 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,488 miles (10,442 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Hong Kong to Seattle flight path pass over?
The route arcs north over mainland China's Guangdong and Hunan hills, across Mongolia's steppe and the vast Siberian taiga, then passes near the volcanic peaks of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula before crossing the Bering Sea into Alaska. It continues south over the Alaska Range and British Columbia's Coast Mountains before descending into Puget Sound.