Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to Seattle. While both directions offer strong scenery, right-side seats capture the dramatic Yangtze estuary at takeoff and provide views of the North Pacific and Aleutian geography during the long transpacific cruise. Left seats excel only during landing approach.

During takeoff from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Yangtze River estuary and Hangzhou Bay as the aircraft climbs out westward from PVG. The river's massive delta system and tidal mudflats are distinctive and clearly visible during the initial climb phase. Notable sights include: Yangtze River estuary, Hangzhou Bay, East China Sea coastline, Shanghai urban sprawl to the south.

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 descent into Seattle. You'll see the Cascade Range to the east, Mount Rainier (when visible), and the Puget Sound with its islands and inlets as you approach from the east. Notable sights include: Cascade Range, Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, Lake Washington.

The flight from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI) takes 11h 15m.

The flight crosses the North Pacific at high altitude. Notable features along the route include the Aleutian Islands (visible during daylight hours on northbound routing), the Alaska panhandle, and the British Columbia coast with its fjords and coastal mountains. The route typically passes north of Hawaii. During cruise, the open ocean dominates, but on clear days the curvature of the Earth and cloud formations over the Pacific create dramatic atmospheric views.