About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from New Tokyo International (NRT) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tokyo to Seattle. While the right side wins at takeoff for Fuji and Tokyo Bay, the left side delivers the more dramatic arrival sequence into Seattle with the Elliott Bay and Olympic Mountains panorama. Over the Pacific crossing itself, both sides see open ocean, but the left side also picks up the Aleutian Island chain passing to the north on the great circle route, and the first glimpses of the Alaskan and British Columbian coastline as you descend toward the Pacific Northwest.
What can I see during takeoff from New Tokyo International in Tokyo?
During takeoff from New Tokyo International (NRT), sit on the Right side for the best views. NRT typically departs on runway 16R/34L or 16L/34R. Northbound departures heading toward the Pacific give the right side views over Tokyo Bay and the urban sprawl of greater Tokyo. On clear days, Mount Fuji appears to the southwest on the right side during the climbing turn out over the Pacific. Notable sights include: Tokyo Bay, Mount Fuji (on clear days, ~100km southwest), Chiba urban grid, Pacific 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. SEA-TAC typically lands on runways 16L/16R from the north, meaning the approach comes in from the north-northwest over Puget Sound. The left side gives a clear view of downtown Seattle, Elliott Bay, and the Olympic Mountains across the water to the west. Notable sights include: Elliott Bay and downtown Seattle skyline, Puget Sound, Olympic Mountains (distant, to the west), Mount Rainier (southeast, visible on clear days).
How long is the flight from Tokyo to Seattle?
The flight from New Tokyo International (NRT) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) takes Approximately 9 to 10 hours.
What does the Tokyo to Seattle flight path pass over?
The great circle route arcs northeast over the North Pacific, passing south of the Aleutian Islands chain (visible to the left as a string of volcanic islands on clear days), crossing the Gulf of Alaska, then tracking southeast along the British Columbia coast. Passengers may see the snow-covered peaks of the Coast Mountains of BC and the Cascade Range beginning to appear as the flight descends toward Washington State.