Left side wins both ends of the flight. During the cruise over the northern Rockies and Cascades, the left side also tends to face south toward more prominent peaks including the Bitterroot Range and eventually the volcanic peaks of the Washington Cascades. The Madison lake views at departure and the Mount Rainier approach at arrival make left the clear choice end to end.
Flight Path
The flight tracks northwest over Minnesota's flat lake country, then crosses the Missouri River breaks in North Dakota and Montana. Over Montana the Rocky Mountain Front comes into view, followed by the Bitterroot and Clearwater ranges of Idaho. Crossing into Washington state the Columbia Plateau's dry channeled scablands are visible before the Cascades rise ahead. On a clear day Mount Adams and Mount Rainier are visible well before descent begins.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MSN
LEFTMSN's primary departure runway 36 (northbound) or runway 18 (southbound) means a left-seat passenger looking west gets a clear view over Lake Mendota and the Madison isthmus. The Capitol building and downtown Madison sit on the narrow strip of land between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona, easily visible during the climbing left turn toward the northwest.
Landing at SEA
LEFTSEA's primary arrival on runway 16L/16R brings aircraft in from the north on a southbound heading, putting the left side facing east toward the Cascade Range and Mount Rainier. Mount Rainier at 14,411 feet is unmistakable to the southeast, and the left seat also captures Elliott Bay and downtown Seattle during the final approach turn.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Dane Co Rgnl Truax Fld (MSN) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Madison to Seattle. Left side wins both ends of the flight. During the cruise over the northern Rockies and Cascades, the left side also tends to face south toward more prominent peaks including the Bitterroot Range and eventually the volcanic peaks of the Washington Cascades. The Madison lake views at departure and the Mount Rainier approach at arrival make left the clear choice end to end.
What can I see during takeoff from Dane Co Rgnl Truax Fld in Madison?
During takeoff from Dane Co Rgnl Truax Fld (MSN), sit on the Left side for the best views. MSN's primary departure runway 36 (northbound) or runway 18 (southbound) means a left-seat passenger looking west gets a clear view over Lake Mendota and the Madison isthmus. The Capitol building and downtown Madison sit on the narrow strip of land between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona, easily visible during the climbing left turn toward the northwest. Notable sights include: Lake Mendota, Lake Monona, Madison isthmus with State Capitol dome, University of Wisconsin campus along the south shore of Mendota.
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. SEA's primary arrival on runway 16L/16R brings aircraft in from the north on a southbound heading, putting the left side facing east toward the Cascade Range and Mount Rainier. Mount Rainier at 14,411 feet is unmistakable to the southeast, and the left seat also captures Elliott Bay and downtown Seattle during the final approach turn. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier (southeast), Cascade Range, Elliott Bay and downtown Seattle skyline, Lake Washington.
How long is the flight from Madison to Seattle?
The flight from Dane Co Rgnl Truax Fld (MSN) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) takes Approximately 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Madison to Seattle flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northwest over Minnesota's flat lake country, then crosses the Missouri River breaks in North Dakota and Montana. Over Montana the Rocky Mountain Front comes into view, followed by the Bitterroot and Clearwater ranges of Idaho. Crossing into Washington state the Columbia Plateau's dry channeled scablands are visible before the Cascades rise ahead. On a clear day Mount Adams and Mount Rainier are visible well before descent begins.