While takeoff offers Pittsburgh river views from the right, the landing approach into Seattle from the left provides more dramatic and iconic scenery: Mount Rainier, the Cascade Range, and Lake Washington create a more visually striking finale than the departure.
Flown PIT to BFI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Pittsburgh to Seattle is 2,119 miles (3,410 km), a flight of about 5 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Appalachian Mountains (visible during the first 90 minutes), then transitions over the Ohio River valley and into the Great Plains. Around the midpoint, you'll pass over or near the Rocky Mountains in Montana/Wyoming (visible on clear days as distant peaks on the horizon). The final approach descends through the Cascade Range foothills into the Puget Sound basin.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PIT
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Allegheny River and Pittsburgh's downtown skyline during the initial climb-out. The aircraft typically departs to the west, and right-side windows capture the river's confluence with the Monongahela River and the Golden Triangle district before banking northwest toward the Ohio Valley.
Landing at BFI
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Seattle. The aircraft approaches from the east, and left windows frame the Cascade Range peaks (including Mount Rainier when visible), Lake Washington, and the Seattle skyline. The descent path offers unobstructed views of these major landmarks.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Pittsburgh International (PIT) to Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Pittsburgh to Seattle. While takeoff offers Pittsburgh river views from the right, the landing approach into Seattle from the left provides more dramatic and iconic scenery: Mount Rainier, the Cascade Range, and Lake Washington create a more visually striking finale than the departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Pittsburgh International in Pittsburgh?
During takeoff from Pittsburgh International (PIT), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Allegheny River and Pittsburgh's downtown skyline during the initial climb-out. The aircraft typically departs to the west, and right-side windows capture the river's confluence with the Monongahela River and the Golden Triangle district before banking northwest toward the Ohio Valley. Notable sights include: Allegheny River, Pittsburgh downtown skyline, Monongahela River confluence, Ohio River valley to the northwest.
What can I see when landing at Boeing Fld King Co International in Seattle?
When landing at Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Seattle. The aircraft approaches from the east, and left windows frame the Cascade Range peaks (including Mount Rainier when visible), Lake Washington, and the Seattle skyline. The descent path offers unobstructed views of these major landmarks. Notable sights include: Cascade Range, Mount Rainier, Lake Washington, Seattle skyline and Elliott Bay.
How long is the flight from Pittsburgh to Seattle?
The flight from Pittsburgh International (PIT) to Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI) takes about 5 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,119 miles (3,410 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Pittsburgh to Seattle flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Appalachian Mountains (visible during the first 90 minutes), then transitions over the Ohio River valley and into the Great Plains. Around the midpoint, you'll pass over or near the Rocky Mountains in Montana/Wyoming (visible on clear days as distant peaks on the horizon). The final approach descends through the Cascade Range foothills into the Puget Sound basin.