While takeoff offers the Mississippi River spectacle, the landing approach provides more dramatic and varied scenery with the Cascade Range, Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, and Olympic Mountains all visible in sequence. Left-side seats capture the most impressive final approach views.
Flown MEM to SEA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Memphis to Seattle is 1,867 miles (3,005 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains. Notable features include the Missouri River valley (visible around the 2-hour mark), the Rocky Mountain Front in Montana and Idaho, and the Columbia River Gorge approaching Seattle. The Bitterroot Range and Wallowa Mountains are visible to the north of the direct flight path. Clear days offer views of Glacier National Park area and the Flathead Lake region in Montana.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MEM
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Mississippi River and Memphis urban area during northwestward climb. The river's distinctive meanders are clearly visible from altitude, and you'll see the downtown skyline receding below.
Landing at SEA
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during approach to Seattle-Tacoma. You'll see the Cascade Range rising dramatically to the east, and Puget Sound's waters with the Olympic Mountains visible across the sound to the west.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Memphis International (MEM) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Memphis to Seattle. While takeoff offers the Mississippi River spectacle, the landing approach provides more dramatic and varied scenery with the Cascade Range, Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, and Olympic Mountains all visible in sequence. Left-side seats capture the most impressive final approach views.
What can I see during takeoff from Memphis International in Memphis?
During takeoff from Memphis International (MEM), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Mississippi River and Memphis urban area during northwestward climb. The river's distinctive meanders are clearly visible from altitude, and you'll see the downtown skyline receding below. Notable sights include: Mississippi River (main channel and oxbow lakes), Memphis downtown and Shelby County urban sprawl, Wolf River confluence, Arkansas farmland to the south.
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 approach to Seattle-Tacoma. You'll see the Cascade Range rising dramatically to the east, and Puget Sound's waters with the Olympic Mountains visible across the sound to the west. Notable sights include: Cascade Range (Mount Rainier often visible on clear days), Puget Sound and its islands, Olympic Mountains across the sound, Seattle urban area and Elliott Bay.
How long is the flight from Memphis to Seattle?
The flight from Memphis International (MEM) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,867 miles (3,005 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Memphis to Seattle flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains. Notable features include the Missouri River valley (visible around the 2-hour mark), the Rocky Mountain Front in Montana and Idaho, and the Columbia River Gorge approaching Seattle. The Bitterroot Range and Wallowa Mountains are visible to the north of the direct flight path. Clear days offer views of Glacier National Park area and the Flathead Lake region in Montana.