The left side wins overall because it captures both the iconic Las Vegas Strip at takeoff and, more importantly, the long cruise-phase view of the Cascade volcanic chain — Mount Shasta, Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Rainier — visible in sequence as the flight tracks along the eastern flank of the range toward Seattle.
Flown LAS to SEA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Las Vegas to Seattle is 867 miles (1,395 km), a flight of about 2 hours 55 minutes.
Nevada's Great Basin desert ranges, the eastern Sierra Nevada near Mono Lake, the Cascade Range volcanic peaks including Mount Shasta, Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Rainier as the route approaches Puget Sound
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAS
LEFTDeparting LAS on the north-facing runway puts the Las Vegas Strip, downtown towers, and the Spring Mountains right outside the left windows during the initial climb. The right side mostly shows Sunrise Mountain and open desert basin, which is far less distinctive.
Landing at SEA
RIGHTSEA's typical south-flowing approach brings the aircraft down the Puget Sound corridor, with downtown Seattle's skyline, Elliott Bay, and the Olympic Mountains visible on the right. The left side mostly shows Lake Washington and the flatter Eastside suburbs, a milder view by comparison.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Mc Carran International (LAS) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Las Vegas to Seattle. The left side wins overall because it captures both the iconic Las Vegas Strip at takeoff and, more importantly, the long cruise-phase view of the Cascade volcanic chain — Mount Shasta, Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Rainier — visible in sequence as the flight tracks along the eastern flank of the range toward Seattle.
What can I see during takeoff from Mc Carran International in Las Vegas?
During takeoff from Mc Carran International (LAS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing LAS on the north-facing runway puts the Las Vegas Strip, downtown towers, and the Spring Mountains right outside the left windows during the initial climb. The right side mostly shows Sunrise Mountain and open desert basin, which is far less distinctive. Notable sights include: Las Vegas Strip, Spring Mountains, Red Rock Canyon escarpment, Frenchman Mountain (right side, minor).
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. SEA's typical south-flowing approach brings the aircraft down the Puget Sound corridor, with downtown Seattle's skyline, Elliott Bay, and the Olympic Mountains visible on the right. The left side mostly shows Lake Washington and the flatter Eastside suburbs, a milder view by comparison. Notable sights include: Seattle downtown skyline, Elliott Bay, Puget Sound, Olympic Mountains.
How long is the flight from Las Vegas to Seattle?
The flight from Mc Carran International (LAS) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) takes about 2 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 867 miles (1,395 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Las Vegas to Seattle flight path pass over?
Nevada's Great Basin desert ranges, the eastern Sierra Nevada near Mono Lake, the Cascade Range volcanic peaks including Mount Shasta, Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Rainier as the route approaches Puget Sound