Minot to Seattle flight pathMIBSEA

Sit on the left side of the plane

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Flight time2h 15m
Distance969
Heading274° → 258°

Minot to Seattle is 969 miles (1,560 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.

Best side
Left

The left seat wins both ends of this flight. During the cruise over Montana and Idaho, the left seat also faces slightly more toward the northern Rockies and the Clark Fork River valley. The payoff on approach into Seattle with Lake Washington, the city skyline, and a distant Rainier makes left the clear overall choice.

Takeoff · MIBLEFTMissouri River valley, Lake Sakakawea northern reaches, Souris River lowlands
Landing · SEALEFTDowntown Seattle skyline, Lake Washington, Cascade Range including Mount Rainier

Flight Path

Flight path overview

The flight crosses the Missouri Coteau and Montana high plains, then the Rocky Mountain Front near Havre or Shelby MT, the Continental Divide, the Clark Fork River valley in western Montana, the Bitterroot Range along the Idaho-Montana border, the Coeur d'Alene area of northern Idaho, the Columbia Plateau of eastern Washington, and the Cascades before descending into the Puget Sound basin.

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Takeoff from MIB

LEFT

Minot AFB runways are oriented roughly north-south. Departing westbound toward Seattle, a left (south) seat gives views over the rolling prairie and the Missouri River valley as the aircraft turns west. The Souris River lowlands and Lake Sakakawea's northern arm are visible to the south on climb-out.

Missouri River valleyLake Sakakawea northern reachesSouris River lowlandsMinot city grid
Aerial window seat view during landing at Seattle (left side) — Downtown Seattle skyline, Lake Washington, Cascade Range including Mount Rainier, Mercer Island

Landing at SEA

LEFT

SeaTac typically uses runways 16L/16R for southerly arrivals, meaning the approach comes from the north over Puget Sound. A left (east) seat on approach from the north gives direct views of downtown Seattle, Lake Washington, and the Cascade Range. The right seat faces west over Puget Sound and the Olympic Peninsula, which is also scenic, but the left seat captures the more dramatic urban-plus-mountain combination.

Downtown Seattle skylineLake WashingtonCascade Range including Mount RainierMercer Island

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Minot Afb (MIB) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA)?

Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Minot to Seattle. The left seat wins both ends of this flight. During the cruise over Montana and Idaho, the left seat also faces slightly more toward the northern Rockies and the Clark Fork River valley. The payoff on approach into Seattle with Lake Washington, the city skyline, and a distant Rainier makes left the clear overall choice.

What can I see during takeoff from Minot Afb in Minot?

During takeoff from Minot Afb (MIB), sit on the Left side for the best views. Minot AFB runways are oriented roughly north-south. Departing westbound toward Seattle, a left (south) seat gives views over the rolling prairie and the Missouri River valley as the aircraft turns west. The Souris River lowlands and Lake Sakakawea's northern arm are visible to the south on climb-out. Notable sights include: Missouri River valley, Lake Sakakawea northern reaches, Souris River lowlands, Minot city grid.

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. SeaTac typically uses runways 16L/16R for southerly arrivals, meaning the approach comes from the north over Puget Sound. A left (east) seat on approach from the north gives direct views of downtown Seattle, Lake Washington, and the Cascade Range. The right seat faces west over Puget Sound and the Olympic Peninsula, which is also scenic, but the left seat captures the more dramatic urban-plus-mountain combination. Notable sights include: Downtown Seattle skyline, Lake Washington, Cascade Range including Mount Rainier, Mercer Island.

How long is the flight from Minot to Seattle?

The flight from Minot Afb (MIB) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 969 miles (1,560 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the Minot to Seattle flight path pass over?

The flight crosses the Missouri Coteau and Montana high plains, then the Rocky Mountain Front near Havre or Shelby MT, the Continental Divide, the Clark Fork River valley in western Montana, the Bitterroot Range along the Idaho-Montana border, the Coeur d'Alene area of northern Idaho, the Columbia Plateau of eastern Washington, and the Cascades before descending into the Puget Sound basin.