The right side wins on both ends of the flight — Mount Hood dominates the departure view and the Boston skyline anchors the arrival — while the left side offers comparatively flatter, less distinctive scenery during both phases.
Flight Path
Rocky Mountain Front near Montana's Glacier region, the northern Great Plains of North Dakota and Minnesota, the western Great Lakes basin, and the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York before descending into New England.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PDX
RIGHTDeparting PDX eastbound, the right (south-facing) side gets a close, unobstructed view of snow-capped Mount Hood rising over the Cascade foothills, with the Willamette River and downtown Portland visible just below during the climbing turn. The left side mostly shows the flatter Columbia River basin and more distant Mount St. Helens.
Landing at BOS
RIGHTOn the approach into BOS from the north, the descent tracks down over the harbor, and the right (west-facing) side offers a clear view of the Boston skyline, the Charles River, and Back Bay just before touchdown. The left side mainly faces open harbor water and the outer islands, with less to look at.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Portland International (PDX) to General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Portland to Boston. The right side wins on both ends of the flight — Mount Hood dominates the departure view and the Boston skyline anchors the arrival — while the left side offers comparatively flatter, less distinctive scenery during both phases.
What can I see during takeoff from Portland International in Portland?
During takeoff from Portland International (PDX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing PDX eastbound, the right (south-facing) side gets a close, unobstructed view of snow-capped Mount Hood rising over the Cascade foothills, with the Willamette River and downtown Portland visible just below during the climbing turn. The left side mostly shows the flatter Columbia River basin and more distant Mount St. Helens. Notable sights include: Mount Hood, Willamette River, downtown Portland, Cascade foothills.
What can I see when landing at General Edward Lawrence Logan International in Boston?
When landing at General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the approach into BOS from the north, the descent tracks down over the harbor, and the right (west-facing) side offers a clear view of the Boston skyline, the Charles River, and Back Bay just before touchdown. The left side mainly faces open harbor water and the outer islands, with less to look at. Notable sights include: Boston skyline, Charles River, Back Bay/Cambridge, Boston Harbor.
How long is the flight from Portland to Boston?
The flight from Portland International (PDX) to General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS) takes 5h 15m.
What does the Portland to Boston flight path pass over?
Rocky Mountain Front near Montana's Glacier region, the northern Great Plains of North Dakota and Minnesota, the western Great Lakes basin, and the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York before descending into New England.