The right side offers a stronger overall experience: while the RDU departure gives only a modest glimpse of Raleigh on the left, the SEA arrival delivers Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, and the Seattle skyline on the right, making it the more consistently scenic side across the whole flight.
Flight Path
Appalachian ridgelines over West Virginia and Virginia, the Ohio River valley, the open plains of the Dakotas, and the Rocky Mountains near the Montana-Idaho border before descending toward the Cascade Range and Puget Sound.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from RDU
LEFTRDU departures typically roll on runway 23 (southwest) then bank right toward the northwest heading for Seattle. During that turn, left-side passengers get a brief look at downtown Raleigh's skyline and the sprawling Jordan Lake reservoir before the plane levels out over the flat, forested Piedmont.
Landing at SEA
RIGHTArrivals into SEA typically track the Puget Sound corridor for the final approach, and the right-side window faces west across the water toward the Olympic Mountains and the downtown Seattle skyline just north of the field. This is a far richer combination of water, city, and mountains than anything visible during the RDU departure.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Raleigh Durham International (RDU) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Raleigh-Durham to Seattle. The right side offers a stronger overall experience: while the RDU departure gives only a modest glimpse of Raleigh on the left, the SEA arrival delivers Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, and the Seattle skyline on the right, making it the more consistently scenic side across the whole flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Raleigh Durham International in Raleigh-Durham?
During takeoff from Raleigh Durham International (RDU), sit on the Left side for the best views. RDU departures typically roll on runway 23 (southwest) then bank right toward the northwest heading for Seattle. During that turn, left-side passengers get a brief look at downtown Raleigh's skyline and the sprawling Jordan Lake reservoir before the plane levels out over the flat, forested Piedmont. Notable sights include: Downtown Raleigh skyline, Jordan Lake, Piedmont farmland and forest.
What can I see when landing at Seattle Tacoma International in Seattle?
When landing at Seattle Tacoma International (SEA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arrivals into SEA typically track the Puget Sound corridor for the final approach, and the right-side window faces west across the water toward the Olympic Mountains and the downtown Seattle skyline just north of the field. This is a far richer combination of water, city, and mountains than anything visible during the RDU departure. Notable sights include: Puget Sound and Elliott Bay, Olympic Mountains, downtown Seattle skyline, distant Mount Rainier.
How long is the flight from Raleigh-Durham to Seattle?
The flight from Raleigh Durham International (RDU) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) takes 5h 45m.
What does the Raleigh-Durham to Seattle flight path pass over?
Appalachian ridgelines over West Virginia and Virginia, the Ohio River valley, the open plains of the Dakotas, and the Rocky Mountains near the Montana-Idaho border before descending toward the Cascade Range and Puget Sound.