While the right side wins the brief Miami coastal takeoff, the left side delivers the more memorable scenery overall thanks to glimpses of the Rocky Mountain front in Montana during cruise and the striking Mount Rainier and Cascade view on final approach into Seattle.
Flight Path
Great Plains of Nebraska and South Dakota, the Missouri River valley, and the eastern front of the Rocky Mountains near Montana and Wyoming
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MIA
RIGHTDepartures from MIA typically climb out toward the east before turning north-northwest, giving right-side passengers a clear look at Biscayne Bay, the barrier islands, and the Miami Beach skyline before the turn inland. The left side mostly shows flat Everglades marsh, which is less visually striking.
Landing at SEA
LEFTOn the descent into SEA, arrivals from the east often align with a southbound final approach, putting Mount Rainier and the Cascade foothills on the left side of the aircraft. This gives a dramatic view of the volcano and Lake Washington that the right side, facing the flatter Kitsap Peninsula, does not match.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Miami International (MIA) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Miami to Seattle. While the right side wins the brief Miami coastal takeoff, the left side delivers the more memorable scenery overall thanks to glimpses of the Rocky Mountain front in Montana during cruise and the striking Mount Rainier and Cascade view on final approach into Seattle.
What can I see during takeoff from Miami International in Miami?
During takeoff from Miami International (MIA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departures from MIA typically climb out toward the east before turning north-northwest, giving right-side passengers a clear look at Biscayne Bay, the barrier islands, and the Miami Beach skyline before the turn inland. The left side mostly shows flat Everglades marsh, which is less visually striking. Notable sights include: Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach hotel skyline, Downtown Miami towers, Atlantic Ocean coastline.
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 the descent into SEA, arrivals from the east often align with a southbound final approach, putting Mount Rainier and the Cascade foothills on the left side of the aircraft. This gives a dramatic view of the volcano and Lake Washington that the right side, facing the flatter Kitsap Peninsula, does not match. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier, Cascade Range foothills, Lake Washington, Mercer Island.
How long is the flight from Miami to Seattle?
The flight from Miami International (MIA) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) takes 6h 05m.
What does the Miami to Seattle flight path pass over?
Great Plains of Nebraska and South Dakota, the Missouri River valley, and the eastern front of the Rocky Mountains near Montana and Wyoming