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.
Flown PVG to BFI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Shanghai to Seattle is 5,706 miles (9,183 km), a flight of about 11 hours 15 minutes.
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.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PVG
RIGHTRight-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.
Landing at BFI
LEFTLeft-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.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI)?
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.
What can I see during takeoff from Shanghai Pudong International in Shanghai?
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.
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 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.
How long is the flight from Shanghai to Seattle?
The flight from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI) takes about 11 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,706 miles (9,183 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Shanghai to Seattle flight path pass over?
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.