While the Istanbul departure favors the left side, the long cruise over Scandinavia, Greenland's ice sheet, and Canadian Arctic terrain combined with the dramatic Mount Rainier and Cascade views on landing give the right side a slight overall edge for a more visually varied journey.
Flown IST to SEA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Istanbul to Seattle is 6,055 miles (9,745 km), a flight of about 11 hours 10 minutes.
Route passes over the Baltic Sea and Scandinavian coastline, the Greenland ice sheet and its fjords, then the tundra and lakes of Arctic Canada before descending toward the Cascade Range in the Pacific Northwest.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IST
LEFTDeparting IST, flights typically climb out over the Sea of Marmara before turning northwest toward Europe, putting Istanbul's historic peninsula, the Bosphorus strait, and the Marmara coastline on the left side of the aircraft during the initial climb.
Landing at SEA
RIGHTOn approach into SEA from the north, the descent path runs down the Puget Sound corridor, and the right side of the aircraft faces east toward the Cascade Range, where the massive glaciated cone of Mount Rainier dominates the skyline along with the foothills near Seattle.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Seattle. While the Istanbul departure favors the left side, the long cruise over Scandinavia, Greenland's ice sheet, and Canadian Arctic terrain combined with the dramatic Mount Rainier and Cascade views on landing give the right side a slight overall edge for a more visually varied journey.
What can I see during takeoff from İstanbul Airport in Istanbul?
During takeoff from İstanbul Airport (IST), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing IST, flights typically climb out over the Sea of Marmara before turning northwest toward Europe, putting Istanbul's historic peninsula, the Bosphorus strait, and the Marmara coastline on the left side of the aircraft during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Sea of Marmara, Istanbul historic peninsula (Topkapi/Hagia Sophia area), Princes' Islands.
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. On approach into SEA from the north, the descent path runs down the Puget Sound corridor, and the right side of the aircraft faces east toward the Cascade Range, where the massive glaciated cone of Mount Rainier dominates the skyline along with the foothills near Seattle. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier, Cascade foothills, Lake Washington, Seattle skyline.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Seattle?
The flight from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) takes about 11 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,055 miles (9,745 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Istanbul to Seattle flight path pass over?
Route passes over the Baltic Sea and Scandinavian coastline, the Greenland ice sheet and its fjords, then the tundra and lakes of Arctic Canada before descending toward the Cascade Range in the Pacific Northwest.