The right side offers the more consistently rewarding view: a chance at Lake Michigan on departure, likely sightlines toward the northern Rockies and Glacier National Park's peaks during cruise, and a scenic Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains approach into Seattle. The left side stays comparatively flat and inland-facing for most of the flight.
Flight Path
Upper Mississippi River valley, the Great Plains of North Dakota, and the northern Rocky Mountains near Glacier National Park and the Continental Divide in Montana
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
RIGHTORD departures to the northwest climb out over the flat Chicago suburbs with little to distinguish either side, but the right side occasionally catches a hazy glimpse of Lake Michigan's shoreline and the northern suburbs before the aircraft turns onto its westbound heading. The left side only shows featureless farmland.
Landing at SEA
RIGHTSEA's typical south-flowing approach (runway 16) swings arriving aircraft north of the airport before turning south for final approach, putting the right side toward Puget Sound, the San Juan and Whidbey Islands, and the Olympic Mountains on the horizon. The left side instead faces inland toward Lake Washington and the Cascade foothills, which are attractive but less dramatic.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Seattle. The right side offers the more consistently rewarding view: a chance at Lake Michigan on departure, likely sightlines toward the northern Rockies and Glacier National Park's peaks during cruise, and a scenic Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains approach into Seattle. The left side stays comparatively flat and inland-facing for most of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Chicago Ohare International in Chicago?
During takeoff from Chicago Ohare International (ORD), sit on the Right side for the best views. ORD departures to the northwest climb out over the flat Chicago suburbs with little to distinguish either side, but the right side occasionally catches a hazy glimpse of Lake Michigan's shoreline and the northern suburbs before the aircraft turns onto its westbound heading. The left side only shows featureless farmland. Notable sights include: Chicago's northern suburbs, a distant glint of Lake Michigan, O'Hare's surrounding reservoirs and expressways.
What can I see when landing at Seattle Tacoma International in Seattle?
When landing at Seattle Tacoma International (SEA), sit on the Right side for the best views. SEA's typical south-flowing approach (runway 16) swings arriving aircraft north of the airport before turning south for final approach, putting the right side toward Puget Sound, the San Juan and Whidbey Islands, and the Olympic Mountains on the horizon. The left side instead faces inland toward Lake Washington and the Cascade foothills, which are attractive but less dramatic. Notable sights include: Puget Sound, Olympic Mountains, Elliott Bay and downtown Seattle skyline, Whidbey Island.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Seattle?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) takes 4h 25m.
What does the Chicago to Seattle flight path pass over?
Upper Mississippi River valley, the Great Plains of North Dakota, and the northern Rocky Mountains near Glacier National Park and the Continental Divide in Montana