While takeoff favors right seats for coastal and mountain views, the landing approach to Seattle with Mount Rainier and the Cascade Range in dramatic relief from the left side is the more visually compelling segment of this route. Left-side passengers get the stronger payoff on arrival.
Flown PVR to SEA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Puerto Vallarta to Seattle is 2,081 miles (3,349 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Pacific coast near the California-Oregon border, then tracks over the Cascade Range interior. Notable midpoint features include the Oregon-Washington border region, the volcanic peaks of the High Cascades (Mount Hood, Mount Jefferson visible to the east on clear days), and the transition from coastal maritime air to inland continental air masses. The route generally follows a great-circle path northwestward, crossing over progressively higher terrain as it approaches the Pacific Northwest.
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from PVR
RIGHTPVR typically departs runway 05 (northeast) or 23 (southwest). Right-side seats offer views of the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains rising inland and the Pacific coastline curving north. Left seats face the open Pacific with minimal terrain contrast.
Landing at SEA
LEFTApproach to SEA typically uses runways 16L/R (from the south) or 34L/R (from the north). Left-side seats on southbound approaches capture the Cascade Range in full relief, Mount Rainier's snow-capped peak, and Puget Sound's complex island geography. Right seats see mostly water and distant mountains.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International (PVR) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Puerto Vallarta to Seattle. While takeoff favors right seats for coastal and mountain views, the landing approach to Seattle with Mount Rainier and the Cascade Range in dramatic relief from the left side is the more visually compelling segment of this route. Left-side passengers get the stronger payoff on arrival.
What can I see during takeoff from Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International in Puerto Vallarta?
During takeoff from Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International (PVR), sit on the Right side for the best views. PVR typically departs runway 05 (northeast) or 23 (southwest). Right-side seats offer views of the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains rising inland and the Pacific coastline curving north. Left seats face the open Pacific with minimal terrain contrast. Notable sights include: Sierra Madre Occidental (eastern horizon), Banderas Bay coastline, Puerto Vallarta city grid, Pacific Ocean.
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. Approach to SEA typically uses runways 16L/R (from the south) or 34L/R (from the north). Left-side seats on southbound approaches capture the Cascade Range in full relief, Mount Rainier's snow-capped peak, and Puget Sound's complex island geography. Right seats see mostly water and distant mountains. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier (14,411 ft), Cascade Range, Puget Sound with San Juan Islands, Lake Washington.
How long is the flight from Puerto Vallarta to Seattle?
The flight from Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International (PVR) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,081 miles (3,349 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Puerto Vallarta to Seattle flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Pacific coast near the California-Oregon border, then tracks over the Cascade Range interior. Notable midpoint features include the Oregon-Washington border region, the volcanic peaks of the High Cascades (Mount Hood, Mount Jefferson visible to the east on clear days), and the transition from coastal maritime air to inland continental air masses. The route generally follows a great-circle path northwestward, crossing over progressively higher terrain as it approaches the Pacific Northwest.