While takeoff offers good views from the right, the landing approach from the left provides superior scenery with the Cascade Range and Puget Sound geography. The left side captures the most dramatic and iconic Pacific Northwest landscape during the final descent into Seattle.
Flown SAW to BFI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Pendik, Istanbul to Seattle is 6,084 miles (9,791 km), a flight of about 10 hours 25 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Black Sea, then traverses over Eastern Europe (Balkans and Central Europe), the Atlantic Ocean, and approaches North America over Greenland or northern Canada depending on routing. Notable features include the Carpathian Mountains (if visible during European transit), the North Atlantic, and the Canadian Arctic or subarctic terrain before descending into the Pacific Northwest.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SAW
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Sea of Marmara and the Asian coastline of Istanbul during the initial climb-out. The aircraft departs eastbound or northeastbound from Sabiha Gökçen, positioning right-side passengers to see the water body and peninsular geography that defines the Istanbul region.
Landing at BFI
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the approach to Seattle. The aircraft descends over Puget Sound and the Cascade Range becomes visible on the left (east), while the Olympic Mountains appear on the right. Left-side positioning captures the dramatic mountain backdrop and the sound's geography more prominently.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Pendik, Istanbul to Seattle. While takeoff offers good views from the right, the landing approach from the left provides superior scenery with the Cascade Range and Puget Sound geography. The left side captures the most dramatic and iconic Pacific Northwest landscape during the final descent into Seattle.
What can I see during takeoff from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport in Pendik, Istanbul?
During takeoff from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Sea of Marmara and the Asian coastline of Istanbul during the initial climb-out. The aircraft departs eastbound or northeastbound from Sabiha Gökçen, positioning right-side passengers to see the water body and peninsular geography that defines the Istanbul region. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Asian coastline of Istanbul, Pendik district waterfront, Prince Islands (Kızıl Adalar) in the distance.
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 the approach to Seattle. The aircraft descends over Puget Sound and the Cascade Range becomes visible on the left (east), while the Olympic Mountains appear on the right. Left-side positioning captures the dramatic mountain backdrop and the sound's geography more prominently. Notable sights include: Cascade Range peaks, Puget Sound, Olympic Mountains (distant, right side), Seattle skyline and Elliott Bay.
How long is the flight from Pendik, Istanbul to Seattle?
The flight from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI) takes about 10 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,084 miles (9,791 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Pendik, Istanbul to Seattle flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Black Sea, then traverses over Eastern Europe (Balkans and Central Europe), the Atlantic Ocean, and approaches North America over Greenland or northern Canada depending on routing. Notable features include the Carpathian Mountains (if visible during European transit), the North Atlantic, and the Canadian Arctic or subarctic terrain before descending into the Pacific Northwest.