London to Seattle is 4,781 miles (7,695 km), a flight of about 9 hours 30 minutes.
Right side wins at both ends of the flight. Over the North Atlantic and Canadian Arctic the views are largely ocean and ice regardless of side, but the right side delivers the better show at departure over the Thames Valley and at arrival over Elliott Bay and Seattle.
Flight Path
The route tracks northwest over Scotland and the Hebrides, then across the North Atlantic near Iceland and southern Greenland, over the Canadian Arctic including Baffin Island and Hudson Bay, across the boreal forests of British Columbia and the Cascade Range before descending into Seattle. Greenland's ice sheet and the Rockies are the most dramatic mid-flight features, though both appear as distant terrain from cruising altitude.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
RIGHTHeathrow departures on the eastbound runway 27L/27R head west initially, then turn northwest. Right side gives you a clear view south over Windsor Castle, the Thames, and the Surrey Hills as you climb out. Left side faces north toward the urban sprawl of Slough and Uxbridge with less visual interest.
Landing at BFI
RIGHTBFI sits on the east shore of Elliott Bay. Aircraft typically approach from the north or south on runway 13R/13L or 31L/31R. A southbound approach on runway 13 puts the right side facing west directly over Elliott Bay, downtown Seattle's skyline, and Mount Rainier looming to the southeast. Left side faces east toward Beacon Hill and industrial south Seattle.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Seattle. Right side wins at both ends of the flight. Over the North Atlantic and Canadian Arctic the views are largely ocean and ice regardless of side, but the right side delivers the better show at departure over the Thames Valley and at arrival over Elliott Bay and Seattle.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Heathrow departures on the eastbound runway 27L/27R head west initially, then turn northwest. Right side gives you a clear view south over Windsor Castle, the Thames, and the Surrey Hills as you climb out. Left side faces north toward the urban sprawl of Slough and Uxbridge with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Windsor Castle and Windsor Great Park, the River Thames snaking west toward Reading, the M25 motorway arc, Surrey Hills to the south.
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. BFI sits on the east shore of Elliott Bay. Aircraft typically approach from the north or south on runway 13R/13L or 31L/31R. A southbound approach on runway 13 puts the right side facing west directly over Elliott Bay, downtown Seattle's skyline, and Mount Rainier looming to the southeast. Left side faces east toward Beacon Hill and industrial south Seattle. Notable sights include: Downtown Seattle skyline and Space Needle, Elliott Bay and Puget Sound, Mount Rainier to the southeast, the Olympic Mountains across the Sound to the west.
How long is the flight from London to Seattle?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI) takes about 9 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,781 miles (7,695 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Seattle flight path pass over?
The route tracks northwest over Scotland and the Hebrides, then across the North Atlantic near Iceland and southern Greenland, over the Canadian Arctic including Baffin Island and Hudson Bay, across the boreal forests of British Columbia and the Cascade Range before descending into Seattle. Greenland's ice sheet and the Rockies are the most dramatic mid-flight features, though both appear as distant terrain from cruising altitude.