Right-side seats win overall because the takeoff view of Pittsburgh's river system and Appalachian terrain is more consistently scenic than the landing approach. While the Cascade/Mount Rainier view on descent is spectacular, it's only visible in clear weather and during the final approach phase. The Pittsburgh departure offers extended views during the entire climb-out.
Flown PIT to SEA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Pittsburgh to Seattle is 2,119 miles (3,411 km), a flight of about 5 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the northern Appalachian plateau (Pennsylvania and Ohio), then transitions over the Great Lakes region (Michigan/Wisconsin), continues across the Upper Midwest (Minnesota/Iowa), and enters the Great Plains before climbing into the Rocky Mountain system (Montana/Idaho). Notable midpoint landmarks include the Ohio River valley, the Great Lakes shoreline (if visible), and the transition from plains to the Northern Rockies. However, most of the midpoint flight occurs over relatively featureless terrain at cruise altitude—the scenic value concentrates at departure and arrival.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PIT
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Allegheny River winding through Pittsburgh's downtown and the surrounding Appalachian foothills as you climb out. PIT typically departs westbound, so the right side faces north initially, giving you the river valley and city grid.
Landing at SEA
LEFTLeft-side seats offer views of the Cascade Range as you descend into Seattle. Approaching from the east, the left side faces south and southwest, directly toward Mount Rainier and the Cascade peaks. This is the money view for this route.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Pittsburgh International (PIT) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Pittsburgh to Seattle. Right-side seats win overall because the takeoff view of Pittsburgh's river system and Appalachian terrain is more consistently scenic than the landing approach. While the Cascade/Mount Rainier view on descent is spectacular, it's only visible in clear weather and during the final approach phase. The Pittsburgh departure offers extended views during the entire climb-out.
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 capture the Allegheny River winding through Pittsburgh's downtown and the surrounding Appalachian foothills as you climb out. PIT typically departs westbound, so the right side faces north initially, giving you the river valley and city grid. Notable sights include: Allegheny River, Pittsburgh downtown skyline, Monongahela River confluence, Appalachian ridge lines to the north.
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 views of the Cascade Range as you descend into Seattle. Approaching from the east, the left side faces south and southwest, directly toward Mount Rainier and the Cascade peaks. This is the money view for this route. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier, Cascade Range peaks, Puget Sound, Lake Washington.
How long is the flight from Pittsburgh to Seattle?
The flight from Pittsburgh International (PIT) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) takes about 5 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,119 miles (3,411 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 northern Appalachian plateau (Pennsylvania and Ohio), then transitions over the Great Lakes region (Michigan/Wisconsin), continues across the Upper Midwest (Minnesota/Iowa), and enters the Great Plains before climbing into the Rocky Mountain system (Montana/Idaho). Notable midpoint landmarks include the Ohio River valley, the Great Lakes shoreline (if visible), and the transition from plains to the Northern Rockies. However, most of the midpoint flight occurs over relatively featureless terrain at cruise altitude—the scenic value concentrates at departure and arrival.