Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During the cruise over the American West, the left side also tends to offer better views of the Rocky Mountain ranges and the Columbia River basin as the flight tracks northwest. Consistent advantage throughout.
Flown ORL to SEA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Orlando to Seattle is 2,544 miles (4,094 km), a flight of about 5 hours 30 minutes.
The flight tracks northwest over the Gulf Coast briefly, then across Louisiana and Arkansas, over the Mississippi River, across the southern Great Plains of Oklahoma and Kansas, over the Rocky Mountains of Colorado or Utah depending on routing, across the Great Basin desert of Nevada and Idaho, then into the Pacific Northwest. Key features include the Mississippi River crossing, the Rocky Mountain Front Range, the Snake River Plain in Idaho, and the Columbia River Plateau before descending into the Cascades.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORL
LEFTORL's primary runway 07/25 means westbound departures head roughly west-northwest. A left (south) seat gives you a view back over the Orlando metro grid, Lake Apopka, and the chain of lakes running through central Florida. Right seat looks mostly into open sky or suburban sprawl with less visual interest.
Landing at SEA
LEFTSEA-TAC primarily uses runways 16L/16R for southerly arrivals, meaning aircraft approach from the north heading south. A left (east) seat on approach gives you the Cascade Range including Mount Rainier dominating the eastern horizon, plus the Seattle urban core and Lake Washington. Right seat faces west over Puget Sound and the Olympic Peninsula, which is scenic but Mount Rainier is the standout feature.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Executive (ORL) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Orlando to Seattle. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During the cruise over the American West, the left side also tends to offer better views of the Rocky Mountain ranges and the Columbia River basin as the flight tracks northwest. Consistent advantage throughout.
What can I see during takeoff from Executive in Orlando?
During takeoff from Executive (ORL), sit on the Left side for the best views. ORL's primary runway 07/25 means westbound departures head roughly west-northwest. A left (south) seat gives you a view back over the Orlando metro grid, Lake Apopka, and the chain of lakes running through central Florida. Right seat looks mostly into open sky or suburban sprawl with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Lake Apopka to the northwest, the Orlando urban grid and downtown skyline, the chain of lakes south of Orlando (Lake Tohopekaliga visible in the distance), Walt Disney World resort complex southwest of the airport.
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 primarily uses runways 16L/16R for southerly arrivals, meaning aircraft approach from the north heading south. A left (east) seat on approach gives you the Cascade Range including Mount Rainier dominating the eastern horizon, plus the Seattle urban core and Lake Washington. Right seat faces west over Puget Sound and the Olympic Peninsula, which is scenic but Mount Rainier is the standout feature. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier (14,411 ft, unmistakable snow-capped cone to the southeast), Lake Washington and the floating bridges, Seattle downtown skyline and Elliott Bay, the Cascade Range ridgeline stretching north to south.
How long is the flight from Orlando to Seattle?
The flight from Executive (ORL) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) takes about 5 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,544 miles (4,094 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Orlando to Seattle flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northwest over the Gulf Coast briefly, then across Louisiana and Arkansas, over the Mississippi River, across the southern Great Plains of Oklahoma and Kansas, over the Rocky Mountains of Colorado or Utah depending on routing, across the Great Basin desert of Nevada and Idaho, then into the Pacific Northwest. Key features include the Mississippi River crossing, the Rocky Mountain Front Range, the Snake River Plain in Idaho, and the Columbia River Plateau before descending into the Cascades.