While the takeoff offers good coastal views, the landing approach into Seattle provides more dramatic and iconic scenery with Mount Rainier and the Cascade Range. The left side captures these major landmarks that define the approach corridor.
Flown MAA to SEA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Madras to Seattle is 8,037 miles (12,934 km), a flight of about 16 hours 30 minutes.
This route typically transits over the Arabian Sea, Middle Eastern airspace (Persian Gulf region or overland routes through Iran/Central Asia depending on geopolitical conditions), the Caspian Sea or Central Asian steppes, then across Russia and the Arctic or subarctic regions. Over the North Pacific, aircraft pass near or over the Aleutian Islands before reaching the Pacific Northwest. Notable visible features along the route include: the Arabian Peninsula's desert terrain, the Zagros Mountains (if routed over Iran), the Caspian Sea's vast expanse, the Ural Mountains, Siberian taiga forests, and the volcanic peaks of the Aleutian chain. The actual routing varies significantly based on current airspace restrictions and wind patterns.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MAA
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Cooum River estuary and the Bay of Bengal coastline as the aircraft climbs northeastward from Chennai. The city's urban sprawl and the contrast between land and water are clearly visible during the initial climb.
Landing at SEA
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Seattle-Tacoma. The approach typically brings aircraft over the Cascade Range and Mount Rainier, which dominates the eastern horizon. Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains are also visible to the west.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chennai International (MAA) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Madras to Seattle. While the takeoff offers good coastal views, the landing approach into Seattle provides more dramatic and iconic scenery with Mount Rainier and the Cascade Range. The left side captures these major landmarks that define the approach corridor.
What can I see during takeoff from Chennai International in Madras?
During takeoff from Chennai International (MAA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Cooum River estuary and the Bay of Bengal coastline as the aircraft climbs northeastward from Chennai. The city's urban sprawl and the contrast between land and water are clearly visible during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Cooum River estuary, Bay of Bengal coastline, Chennai urban grid, Pulicat Lake (visible at distance).
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. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Seattle-Tacoma. The approach typically brings aircraft over the Cascade Range and Mount Rainier, which dominates the eastern horizon. Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains are also visible to the west. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier, Cascade Range, Puget Sound, Olympic Mountains.
How long is the flight from Madras to Seattle?
The flight from Chennai International (MAA) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) takes about 16 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 8,037 miles (12,934 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Madras to Seattle flight path pass over?
This route typically transits over the Arabian Sea, Middle Eastern airspace (Persian Gulf region or overland routes through Iran/Central Asia depending on geopolitical conditions), the Caspian Sea or Central Asian steppes, then across Russia and the Arctic or subarctic regions. Over the North Pacific, aircraft pass near or over the Aleutian Islands before reaching the Pacific Northwest. Notable visible features along the route include: the Arabian Peninsula's desert terrain, the Zagros Mountains (if routed over Iran), the Caspian Sea's vast expanse, the Ural Mountains, Siberian taiga forests, and the volcanic peaks of the Aleutian chain. The actual routing varies significantly based on current airspace restrictions and wind patterns.