While the right side offers a brief Lake Pontchartrain view at takeoff, the left side wins overall thanks to sustained mountain scenery — glimpses of the Rockies' front range during cruise over Wyoming and Montana, followed by the striking Cascade Range and Mount Rainier on final approach into Seattle.
Flown MSY to SEA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New Orleans to Seattle is 2,083 miles (3,353 km), a flight of about 4 hours 35 minutes.
Great Plains of Kansas and Nebraska giving way to the high plains of Wyoming, with the eastern Rocky Mountain front range visible on the horizon before the route crosses into Montana and Idaho toward the Cascades
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MSY
RIGHTDeparting MSY on runway 29, the aircraft typically banks right onto a northwesterly heading toward Seattle, swinging the wing toward Lake Pontchartrain and the causeway. This gives right-side passengers a brief but clear view of the lake and the New Orleans metro area below before climbing into cruise.
Landing at SEA
LEFTOn the descent into SEA, arrivals from the east cross the Cascade Range, giving left-side passengers a strong view of Mount Rainier's snow-capped cone rising above the forested ridgelines to the south. As the plane turns onto final approach, the volcano remains a dramatic backdrop before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from New Orleans to Seattle. While the right side offers a brief Lake Pontchartrain view at takeoff, the left side wins overall thanks to sustained mountain scenery — glimpses of the Rockies' front range during cruise over Wyoming and Montana, followed by the striking Cascade Range and Mount Rainier on final approach into Seattle.
What can I see during takeoff from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International in New Orleans?
During takeoff from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing MSY on runway 29, the aircraft typically banks right onto a northwesterly heading toward Seattle, swinging the wing toward Lake Pontchartrain and the causeway. This gives right-side passengers a brief but clear view of the lake and the New Orleans metro area below before climbing into cruise. Notable sights include: Lake Pontchartrain, Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, New Orleans metro sprawl, Mississippi River delta wetlands.
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 cross the Cascade Range, giving left-side passengers a strong view of Mount Rainier's snow-capped cone rising above the forested ridgelines to the south. As the plane turns onto final approach, the volcano remains a dramatic backdrop before touchdown. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier, Cascade Range foothills, Green River valley, Lake Washington shoreline.
How long is the flight from New Orleans to Seattle?
The flight from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) takes about 4 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,083 miles (3,353 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New Orleans to Seattle flight path pass over?
Great Plains of Kansas and Nebraska giving way to the high plains of Wyoming, with the eastern Rocky Mountain front range visible on the horizon before the route crosses into Montana and Idaho toward the Cascades