The right side captures the most dramatic scenery on both legs: the Inside Passage islands and fjords during departure, and the Cascade Range peaks during approach. The left side offers good Seattle views but the right provides more consistent visual interest across the full flight.
Flown KTN to BFI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Ketchikan to Seattle is 675 miles (1,086 km), a flight of about 2 hours 5 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Inside Passage, passing over numerous islands and waterways of southeast Alaska including Clarence Strait, Behm Canal, and the Alexander Archipelago. As the aircraft climbs to cruise altitude, it transitions from the coastal fjord landscape into open water and eventually inland toward the Puget Sound region. The route generally follows a southwesterly heading, with views of increasingly distant mountains as altitude increases.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from KTN
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the dramatic coastal geography immediately after departure. You'll see Tongass Narrows and the surrounding islands of the Inside Passage as the aircraft climbs southwestward over Revillagigedo Island.
Landing at BFI
LEFTLeft-side seats offer the best views during descent into Seattle. As the aircraft approaches from the north, you'll see the Cascade Range, Lake Washington, and the Seattle skyline with Elliott Bay in clear perspective.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ketchikan International (KTN) to Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Ketchikan to Seattle. The right side captures the most dramatic scenery on both legs: the Inside Passage islands and fjords during departure, and the Cascade Range peaks during approach. The left side offers good Seattle views but the right provides more consistent visual interest across the full flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Ketchikan International in Ketchikan?
During takeoff from Ketchikan International (KTN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the dramatic coastal geography immediately after departure. You'll see Tongass Narrows and the surrounding islands of the Inside Passage as the aircraft climbs southwestward over Revillagigedo Island. Notable sights include: Tongass Narrows, Revillagigedo Island, Clarence Strait, Misty Fiords National Monument peaks.
What can I see when landing at Boeing Fld King Co International in Seattle?
When landing at Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best views during descent into Seattle. As the aircraft approaches from the north, you'll see the Cascade Range, Lake Washington, and the Seattle skyline with Elliott Bay in clear perspective. Notable sights include: Cascade Range, Lake Washington, Seattle skyline, Elliott Bay.
How long is the flight from Ketchikan to Seattle?
The flight from Ketchikan International (KTN) to Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI) takes about 2 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 675 miles (1,086 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Ketchikan to Seattle flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Inside Passage, passing over numerous islands and waterways of southeast Alaska including Clarence Strait, Behm Canal, and the Alexander Archipelago. As the aircraft climbs to cruise altitude, it transitions from the coastal fjord landscape into open water and eventually inland toward the Puget Sound region. The route generally follows a southwesterly heading, with views of increasingly distant mountains as altitude increases.