While the takeoff offers coastal interest, the landing approach provides far superior scenery with Mount Rainier, the Cascade Range, and Puget Sound's dramatic geography. The westbound flight path means the left side captures the most significant visual features during descent.
Flown ORF to SEA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Norfolk to Seattle is 2,432 miles (3,913 km), a flight of about 5 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Appalachian Mountains (visible during the first 90 minutes), then transitions to the Great Plains. You'll pass over or near the Ohio River valley, the Mississippi River system, and eventually the Great Plains of Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska. In the final 90 minutes, the Rocky Mountains appear on the horizon, followed by the Cascade Range and Sierra Nevada foothills as you approach the Pacific Northwest. The Columbia River Gorge is visible during final descent into Seattle.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORF
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Atlantic coastline and the Hampton Roads waterway system as you climb out. The James River estuary, Norfolk Harbor, and the barrier islands of the Virginia coast are all visible on the right during the initial climb-out heading west.
Landing at SEA
LEFTLeft-side seats offer the best views during approach to Seattle. You'll see the Cascade Range in profile, Mount Rainier dominating the southeast horizon, and the Puget Sound waterway system as you descend toward SeaTac. The San Juan Islands and Olympic Mountains are also visible to the northwest.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Norfolk International (ORF) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Norfolk to Seattle. While the takeoff offers coastal interest, the landing approach provides far superior scenery with Mount Rainier, the Cascade Range, and Puget Sound's dramatic geography. The westbound flight path means the left side captures the most significant visual features during descent.
What can I see during takeoff from Norfolk International in Norfolk?
During takeoff from Norfolk International (ORF), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Atlantic coastline and the Hampton Roads waterway system as you climb out. The James River estuary, Norfolk Harbor, and the barrier islands of the Virginia coast are all visible on the right during the initial climb-out heading west. Notable sights include: Hampton Roads (major naval anchorage and shipping channel), James River estuary, Atlantic coastline with barrier islands, Chesapeake Bay mouth.
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. Left-side seats offer the best views during approach to Seattle. You'll see the Cascade Range in profile, Mount Rainier dominating the southeast horizon, and the Puget Sound waterway system as you descend toward SeaTac. The San Juan Islands and Olympic Mountains are also visible to the northwest. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier (14,411 ft, visible 50+ miles away), Cascade Range, Puget Sound with its island network, Olympic Mountains to the northwest.
How long is the flight from Norfolk to Seattle?
The flight from Norfolk International (ORF) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) takes about 5 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,432 miles (3,913 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Norfolk to Seattle flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Appalachian Mountains (visible during the first 90 minutes), then transitions to the Great Plains. You'll pass over or near the Ohio River valley, the Mississippi River system, and eventually the Great Plains of Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska. In the final 90 minutes, the Rocky Mountains appear on the horizon, followed by the Cascade Range and Sierra Nevada foothills as you approach the Pacific Northwest. The Columbia River Gorge is visible during final descent into Seattle.