While the left side offers dramatic mountain views during takeoff, the right side during landing provides superior scenery—Puget Sound, Lake Washington, and the Cascade Range with Mount Rainier are more visually striking than the inland approach to Ontario. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
Flown ONT to BFI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Ontario to Seattle is 962 miles (1,548 km), a flight of about 2 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path northbound crosses the Sierra Nevada range (visible around 45 minutes into flight as a major north-south ridge with peaks 10,000-14,000 feet), then transitions over the Great Basin and into Oregon. The Cascade Range becomes visible approximately 30 minutes before landing, with Mount Shasta and Mount Hood appearing as prominent volcanic peaks on the eastern horizon during the final approach corridor into the Pacific Northwest.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ONT
LEFTLeft side offers immediate views of the San Gabriel Mountains rising directly north of Ontario, plus the sprawling Los Angeles basin extending westward. Right side faces inland desert with less dramatic scenery during climb-out.
Landing at BFI
RIGHTRight side provides excellent views of Puget Sound, the Cascade Range to the east, and Lake Washington during the approach corridor into Seattle. Left side faces the Olympic Mountains and Bremerton area, which are scenic but less dramatic during final descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ontario International (ONT) to Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Ontario to Seattle. While the left side offers dramatic mountain views during takeoff, the right side during landing provides superior scenery—Puget Sound, Lake Washington, and the Cascade Range with Mount Rainier are more visually striking than the inland approach to Ontario. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from Ontario International in Ontario?
During takeoff from Ontario International (ONT), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers immediate views of the San Gabriel Mountains rising directly north of Ontario, plus the sprawling Los Angeles basin extending westward. Right side faces inland desert with less dramatic scenery during climb-out. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, Los Angeles basin urban grid, San Bernardino Valley, Inland Empire sprawl.
What can I see when landing at Boeing Fld King Co International in Seattle?
When landing at Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides excellent views of Puget Sound, the Cascade Range to the east, and Lake Washington during the approach corridor into Seattle. Left side faces the Olympic Mountains and Bremerton area, which are scenic but less dramatic during final descent. Notable sights include: Puget Sound, Lake Washington, Cascade Range peaks, Seattle urban core.
How long is the flight from Ontario to Seattle?
The flight from Ontario International (ONT) to Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI) takes about 2 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 962 miles (1,548 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Ontario to Seattle flight path pass over?
The flight path northbound crosses the Sierra Nevada range (visible around 45 minutes into flight as a major north-south ridge with peaks 10,000-14,000 feet), then transitions over the Great Basin and into Oregon. The Cascade Range becomes visible approximately 30 minutes before landing, with Mount Shasta and Mount Hood appearing as prominent volcanic peaks on the eastern horizon during the final approach corridor into the Pacific Northwest.