New York to Seattle flight path: LGA to BFI

Sit on the right side of the plane

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Flight time5h 15m
Distance2,405
Heading298° → 263°
Best side
RightMostly right
★ 3.5 left·★ 2.5 right

While the left side offers excellent New York departure scenery, the right side delivers superior overall views for the full flight. Mount Rainier's iconic presence during approach, combined with Puget Sound's dramatic water and island geography, outweighs the Manhattan takeoff advantage. The cruise segment over the Appalachian and Rocky Mountain ranges is visible from both sides, but the right side's approach to the Seattle basin with its distinctive water features and volcanic backdrop creates a more memorable and visually varied experience.

Flown LGA to BFI? Did we get it right?

Flight Path

Flight path overview

New York to Seattle is 2,405 miles (3,871 km), a flight of about 5 hours 15 minutes.

Appalachian Mountains (Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia), Great Lakes region (Lake Erie visible from northern route), Great Plains of the Midwest (Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska), Rocky Mountains (Wyoming, Montana), Cascade Range (Washington), Mount Rainier and Puget Sound basin

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Aerial window seat view during takeoff from New York (left side) — Manhattan skyline with Empire State Building and One World Trade Center, East River and harbor islands, Hudson River valley, Appalachian ridge lines to the northwest

Takeoff from LGA

LEFT

Left side captures the Manhattan skyline, East River, and the dramatic urban landscape of the New York metropolitan area during departure from LGA. The Hudson River valley and Appalachian foothills become visible as you climb westward.

Manhattan skyline with Empire State Building and One World Trade CenterEast River and harbor islandsHudson River valleyAppalachian ridge lines to the northwest
LGA La GuardiaNew York, United States
Aerial window seat view during landing at Seattle (right side) — Mount Rainier (14,410 ft, visible 50+ miles away on clear days), Puget Sound with its complex island geography, Olympic Mountains to the west, Lake Washington and the Seattle urban area

Landing at BFI

RIGHT

Right side offers superior views during approach to Seattle-Tacoma area. Puget Sound's distinctive water body, the Olympic Mountains to the west, and Mount Rainier dominating the southeastern horizon create dramatic scenery. The approach path over the sound and surrounding terrain is visually compelling.

Mount Rainier (14410 ftvisible 50+ miles away on clear days)Puget Sound with its complex island geography
BFI Boeing Fld King Co InternationalHub for Amazon Air

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from La Guardia (LGA) to Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI)?

Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Seattle. While the left side offers excellent New York departure scenery, the right side delivers superior overall views for the full flight. Mount Rainier's iconic presence during approach, combined with Puget Sound's dramatic water and island geography, outweighs the Manhattan takeoff advantage. The cruise segment over the Appalachian and Rocky Mountain ranges is visible from both sides, but the right side's approach to the Seattle basin with its distinctive water features and volcanic backdrop creates a more memorable and visually varied experience.

What can I see during takeoff from La Guardia in New York?

During takeoff from La Guardia (LGA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side captures the Manhattan skyline, East River, and the dramatic urban landscape of the New York metropolitan area during departure from LGA. The Hudson River valley and Appalachian foothills become visible as you climb westward. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline with Empire State Building and One World Trade Center, East River and harbor islands, Hudson River valley, Appalachian ridge lines to the northwest.

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 Right side for the best views. Right side offers superior views during approach to Seattle-Tacoma area. Puget Sound's distinctive water body, the Olympic Mountains to the west, and Mount Rainier dominating the southeastern horizon create dramatic scenery. The approach path over the sound and surrounding terrain is visually compelling. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier (14,410 ft, visible 50+ miles away on clear days), Puget Sound with its complex island geography, Olympic Mountains to the west, Lake Washington and the Seattle urban area.

How long is the flight from New York to Seattle?

The flight from La Guardia (LGA) to Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI) takes about 5 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,405 miles (3,871 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the New York to Seattle flight path pass over?

Appalachian Mountains (Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia), Great Lakes region (Lake Erie visible from northern route), Great Plains of the Midwest (Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska), Rocky Mountains (Wyoming, Montana), Cascade Range (Washington), Mount Rainier and Puget Sound basin