This route runs close to the Cascade volcanic chain, and the right side delivers a rare lineup of Mount Shasta, Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Rainier in sequence, plus a strong San Diego skyline view on departure. The left side is mostly Pacific coastline and open water with fewer standout landmarks.
Flown SAN to SEA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Diego to Seattle is 1,051 miles (1,692 km), a flight of about 2 hours 55 minutes.
Northern California's Sierra Nevada foothills and the Sacramento Valley, with Mount Shasta visible near the Oregon border as the flight continues north toward the Cascade Range.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SAN
RIGHTDeparting runway 27, the jet climbs west over San Diego Bay then banks right to head north, swinging the right side toward downtown San Diego, Balboa Park, and the Coronado Bridge before the coastline opens up. The left side mainly gets open ocean at this point.
Landing at SEA
RIGHTOn the approach into SEA from the south, passengers on the right side get a long, clear view of Mount Rainier's snow-capped bulk rising over the Cascade foothills before the plane lines up over Puget Sound. The left side mostly faces the water and the Olympic Peninsula's lower, less distinct ridgeline.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Diego to Seattle. This route runs close to the Cascade volcanic chain, and the right side delivers a rare lineup of Mount Shasta, Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Rainier in sequence, plus a strong San Diego skyline view on departure. The left side is mostly Pacific coastline and open water with fewer standout landmarks.
What can I see during takeoff from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld in San Diego?
During takeoff from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing runway 27, the jet climbs west over San Diego Bay then banks right to head north, swinging the right side toward downtown San Diego, Balboa Park, and the Coronado Bridge before the coastline opens up. The left side mainly gets open ocean at this point. Notable sights include: Downtown San Diego skyline, Coronado Bridge, Balboa Park, Point Loma.
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. On the approach into SEA from the south, passengers on the right side get a long, clear view of Mount Rainier's snow-capped bulk rising over the Cascade foothills before the plane lines up over Puget Sound. The left side mostly faces the water and the Olympic Peninsula's lower, less distinct ridgeline. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier, Cascade foothills, Lake Washington, Seattle skyline.
How long is the flight from San Diego to Seattle?
The flight from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) takes about 2 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,051 miles (1,692 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Diego to Seattle flight path pass over?
Northern California's Sierra Nevada foothills and the Sacramento Valley, with Mount Shasta visible near the Oregon border as the flight continues north toward the Cascade Range.