About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Philadelphia International (PHL) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Philadelphia to Seattle. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During the transcontinental cruise, the left side also offers better views of the northern Rockies and Cascades as the route tracks northwest, with mountain ranges appearing on the left horizon over Montana and Idaho.
What can I see during takeoff from Philadelphia International in Philadelphia?
During takeoff from Philadelphia International (PHL), sit on the Left side for the best views. PHL primarily departs westbound on runways 27L/27R, so the left (south) side gives you a clear view back over the Philadelphia skyline, the Delaware River, and the city grid as you climb out. The right side faces north toward the suburbs with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Philadelphia city skyline, Delaware River, Walt Whitman Bridge, South Philadelphia waterfront.
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 typically lands northbound on runways 16L/16R or 34L/34R depending on wind. On the dominant southerly approach (landing north on 16s), the left side faces west over Puget Sound, giving you views of the Sound, Vashon Island, and the Olympic Mountains on the horizon. On northerly winds landing south, left still captures Elliott Bay and downtown Seattle during the turn. Notable sights include: Puget Sound, Vashon Island, Olympic Mountains, Elliott Bay and Seattle skyline.
How long is the flight from Philadelphia to Seattle?
The flight from Philadelphia International (PHL) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) takes Approximately 5 hours 30 minutes to 6 hours.
What does the Philadelphia to Seattle flight path pass over?
The route tracks northwest over Pennsylvania, then across Ohio and Indiana before crossing the Mississippi River near the Iowa-Illinois border. Over South Dakota and Wyoming the northern Great Plains give way to the Black Hills and then the Bighorn Mountains. The route crosses the northern Rockies over Montana or Idaho, with the Bitterroot Range and Clearwater Mountains visible. The Cascades appear on descent into Seattle, with Mount Rainier prominently visible to the south of the flight path and Mount Adams further beyond.