The left side delivers a more continuous sequence of named, dramatic landmarks — Revillagigedo Island's peaks and Misty Fjords terrain at departure, the BC Coast Mountains and Mount Baker during cruise, and Seattle's skyline with Mount Rainier on arrival — while the right side is dominated by repetitive open water and distant islands with fewer standout features.
Flown KTN to SEA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Ketchikan to Seattle is 679 miles (1,093 km), a flight of about 1 hour 55 minutes.
British Columbia Coast Mountains, Strait of Georgia and the Gulf Islands, northern Vancouver Island coastline, and Mount Baker as the route nears the US border
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from KTN
LEFTDeparting Ketchikan on runway 11 (the typical choice given prevailing southeast winds) climbs the aircraft out over Tongass Narrows with Revillagigedo Island's steep, forested terrain rising just to the east. Passengers on the left get close views of Deer Mountain and the fjord-like channels toward Misty Fjords, while the right side mostly faces open water toward Gravina and Pennock Islands.
Landing at SEA
LEFTOn final approach into Sea-Tac from the north, the flight path tracks south just west of downtown Seattle, putting the city skyline, Lake Washington, and on clear days the glaciated bulk of Mount Rainier on the left side. The right side instead faces the open water of Puget Sound and the more distant Olympic Mountains.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ketchikan International (KTN) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Ketchikan to Seattle. The left side delivers a more continuous sequence of named, dramatic landmarks — Revillagigedo Island's peaks and Misty Fjords terrain at departure, the BC Coast Mountains and Mount Baker during cruise, and Seattle's skyline with Mount Rainier on arrival — while the right side is dominated by repetitive open water and distant islands with fewer standout features.
What can I see during takeoff from Ketchikan International in Ketchikan?
During takeoff from Ketchikan International (KTN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Ketchikan on runway 11 (the typical choice given prevailing southeast winds) climbs the aircraft out over Tongass Narrows with Revillagigedo Island's steep, forested terrain rising just to the east. Passengers on the left get close views of Deer Mountain and the fjord-like channels toward Misty Fjords, while the right side mostly faces open water toward Gravina and Pennock Islands. Notable sights include: Tongass Narrows, Deer Mountain, Revillagigedo Island peaks, Misty Fjords foothills.
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 final approach into Sea-Tac from the north, the flight path tracks south just west of downtown Seattle, putting the city skyline, Lake Washington, and on clear days the glaciated bulk of Mount Rainier on the left side. The right side instead faces the open water of Puget Sound and the more distant Olympic Mountains. Notable sights include: Seattle downtown skyline, Lake Washington, Mount Rainier, Cascade foothills.
How long is the flight from Ketchikan to Seattle?
The flight from Ketchikan International (KTN) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) takes about 1 hour 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 679 miles (1,093 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Ketchikan to Seattle flight path pass over?
British Columbia Coast Mountains, Strait of Georgia and the Gulf Islands, northern Vancouver Island coastline, and Mount Baker as the route nears the US border