The right side wins overall because it captures the dramatic San Gabriel Mountains on departure and, along the cruise track up California and Oregon, offers views of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade volcanoes including Mount Shasta — landmarks the left side, dominated by flatter coastal terrain and open ocean, can't match, even though the left edges out on the Rainier-view landing.
Flown LGB to SEA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Long Beach to Seattle is 966 miles (1,555 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
Sierra Nevada foothills, Central Valley farmland, Mount Shasta, southern Oregon Cascades
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGB
RIGHTDeparting LGB on runway 30, the aircraft banks toward the north and the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains rise dramatically on the right, framing the LA basin. The left side mostly shows the flat LA sprawl and a receding coastline with less drama.
Landing at SEA
LEFTOn approach into SEA, arrivals commonly descend from the north and land south on runway 16, putting the Cascade Range and Mount Rainier's snowy cone on the left side of the aircraft. Puget Sound and downtown Seattle also come into view as the plane lines up for final.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Long Beach (LGB) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Long Beach to Seattle. The right side wins overall because it captures the dramatic San Gabriel Mountains on departure and, along the cruise track up California and Oregon, offers views of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade volcanoes including Mount Shasta — landmarks the left side, dominated by flatter coastal terrain and open ocean, can't match, even though the left edges out on the Rainier-view landing.
What can I see during takeoff from Long Beach in Long Beach?
During takeoff from Long Beach (LGB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing LGB on runway 30, the aircraft banks toward the north and the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains rise dramatically on the right, framing the LA basin. The left side mostly shows the flat LA sprawl and a receding coastline with less drama. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, Verdugo Hills, Downtown Los Angeles skyline, San Fernando Valley.
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 approach into SEA, arrivals commonly descend from the north and land south on runway 16, putting the Cascade Range and Mount Rainier's snowy cone on the left side of the aircraft. Puget Sound and downtown Seattle also come into view as the plane lines up for final. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier, Cascade foothills, Puget Sound, downtown Seattle skyline.
How long is the flight from Long Beach to Seattle?
The flight from Long Beach (LGB) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 966 miles (1,555 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Long Beach to Seattle flight path pass over?
Sierra Nevada foothills, Central Valley farmland, Mount Shasta, southern Oregon Cascades