The left side captures the spectacular Snæfellsjökull departure view and, during the transoceanic crossing, sits on the southern side of the great circle route — offering better angles on Greenland's ice sheet edge and southern Baffin Island coastline. The right side wins at landing, but the departure and en-route scenery tips the balance left.
Flown RKV to SEA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Reykjavik to Seattle is 3,623 miles (5,830 km), a flight of about 7 hours 20 minutes.
The great circle route from RKV to SEA tracks northwest over the Denmark Strait, crosses the southern tip of Greenland near Prins Christian Sund where the ice sheet meets fjords, passes over southern Baffin Island and Hudson Strait, then arcs southwest over the Canadian Shield and British Columbia's Coast Mountains before descending into the Pacific Northwest. Greenland's ice sheet interior is visible as a vast featureless white plateau. The Coast Mountains of BC offer dramatic glaciated peaks on descent.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from RKV
LEFTRKV's primary runway 01/19 means northbound departures climb out over Faxaflói Bay. A left (west-facing) seat gives you the Snæfellsjökull glacier volcano across the bay, roughly 100km distant but unmistakable on clear days. Right seats face inland toward Reykjavik city and Mount Esja.
Landing at SEA
RIGHTSeaTac's primary arrival runways 16L/16R have aircraft approaching from the north-northwest, meaning a right (west-facing) seat looks out over Puget Sound, the Olympic Peninsula, and the approach over the water. Left seats face east toward the Cascade Range with Mount Rainier dominant.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Reykjavik (RKV) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Reykjavik to Seattle. The left side captures the spectacular Snæfellsjökull departure view and, during the transoceanic crossing, sits on the southern side of the great circle route — offering better angles on Greenland's ice sheet edge and southern Baffin Island coastline. The right side wins at landing, but the departure and en-route scenery tips the balance left.
What can I see during takeoff from Reykjavik in Reykjavik?
During takeoff from Reykjavik (RKV), sit on the Left side for the best views. RKV's primary runway 01/19 means northbound departures climb out over Faxaflói Bay. A left (west-facing) seat gives you the Snæfellsjökull glacier volcano across the bay, roughly 100km distant but unmistakable on clear days. Right seats face inland toward Reykjavik city and Mount Esja. Notable sights include: Snæfellsjökull glacier volcano across Faxaflói Bay, Mount Esja ridge behind Reykjavik, Reykjavik harbor and Hallgrímskirkja church spire, Kjalarnes peninsula.
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. SeaTac's primary arrival runways 16L/16R have aircraft approaching from the north-northwest, meaning a right (west-facing) seat looks out over Puget Sound, the Olympic Peninsula, and the approach over the water. Left seats face east toward the Cascade Range with Mount Rainier dominant. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier (14,411 ft) to the southeast, Puget Sound below, Olympic Mountains across the sound to the west, Seattle city skyline to the north.
How long is the flight from Reykjavik to Seattle?
The flight from Reykjavik (RKV) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) takes about 7 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,623 miles (5,830 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Reykjavik to Seattle flight path pass over?
The great circle route from RKV to SEA tracks northwest over the Denmark Strait, crosses the southern tip of Greenland near Prins Christian Sund where the ice sheet meets fjords, passes over southern Baffin Island and Hudson Strait, then arcs southwest over the Canadian Shield and British Columbia's Coast Mountains before descending into the Pacific Northwest. Greenland's ice sheet interior is visible as a vast featureless white plateau. The Coast Mountains of BC offer dramatic glaciated peaks on descent.