Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Seattle. While left offers good Istanbul departure views, right provides superior scenery on approach to Seattle with the dramatic Cascade Range, Puget Sound's intricate waterways, and Olympic Mountains—more visually distinctive than the relatively flat Turkish departure.

During takeoff from Ataturk (IST), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus strait as the aircraft climbs northwestward from Ataturk. You'll see the waterway that defines Istanbul's geography and the Asian coastline receding below. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus Strait, European Istanbul coastline, Prince Islands archipelago.

When landing at Seattle Tacoma International (SEA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides excellent views during descent into Seattle-Tacoma. You'll see the Cascade Range to the east and the Puget Sound's complex waterway system with the Olympic Mountains visible across the sound to the west. Notable sights include: Puget Sound, Cascade Range, Olympic Mountains, Lake Washington.

The flight from Ataturk (IST) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) takes Approximately 13-14 hours.

The flight path crosses the Black Sea (visible from altitude as a large dark water body), then proceeds northwest over Eastern Europe. Notable midpoint features include the Carpathian Mountains in Romania/Ukraine region, the Alps on the southern approach to central Europe, and the North Sea before crossing toward the Atlantic. Over the Atlantic, you'll be too far from land for significant landmarks, but approaching North America, the Canadian Rockies and Pacific Northwest mountain ranges become visible during descent toward Seattle.