While takeoff offers interesting Istanbul coastal views, the landing approach into Seattle provides more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery with Mount Rainier and the Cascade Range. Left-side seats capture the most iconic geographic features of the destination.
Flown SAW to SEA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Pendik, Istanbul to Seattle is 6,089 miles (9,800 km), a flight of about 13 hours.
The flight path crosses the Black Sea (visible from both sides during the first 2-3 hours), then proceeds northwest over Eastern Europe. Passengers may see the Carpathian Mountains from the north as the aircraft crosses Romania and Hungary. Over Central Europe, the Alps appear on the horizon during daylight hours. The North Atlantic crossing occupies the middle 6-7 hours with no major landmarks. As the aircraft approaches North America, Greenland's ice sheet may be visible in winter/spring conditions. The final approach crosses the Canadian Rockies and British Columbia's coastal ranges before descending into the Puget Sound basin.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SAW
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Sea of Marmara and the Asian side of Istanbul's sprawling urban landscape during the initial climb-out. The aircraft departs eastbound from Sabiha Gökçen, so right-side passengers see the water body and coastal development immediately.
Landing at SEA
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of the Cascade Range and Mount Rainier during the descent into Seattle-Tacoma. The aircraft approaches from the east, so left-side passengers see these dramatic volcanic peaks and the Puget Sound basin as the plane descends toward the airport.
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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 Seattle Tacoma International (SEA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Pendik, Istanbul to Seattle. While takeoff offers interesting Istanbul coastal views, the landing approach into Seattle provides more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery with Mount Rainier and the Cascade Range. Left-side seats capture the most iconic geographic features of the destination.
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 side of Istanbul's sprawling urban landscape during the initial climb-out. The aircraft departs eastbound from Sabiha Gökçen, so right-side passengers see the water body and coastal development immediately. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Istanbul's Asian-side districts (Pendik, Kartal), Bosphorus strait entrance to the north, Prince Islands scattered across the water.
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. Left-side seats provide views of the Cascade Range and Mount Rainier during the descent into Seattle-Tacoma. The aircraft approaches from the east, so left-side passengers see these dramatic volcanic peaks and the Puget Sound basin as the plane descends toward the airport. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier (14,411 ft, dominant volcanic peak), Cascade Range ridgeline, Puget Sound waters, Seattle skyline and urban sprawl.
How long is the flight from Pendik, Istanbul to Seattle?
The flight from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) takes about 13 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 6,089 miles (9,800 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 (visible from both sides during the first 2-3 hours), then proceeds northwest over Eastern Europe. Passengers may see the Carpathian Mountains from the north as the aircraft crosses Romania and Hungary. Over Central Europe, the Alps appear on the horizon during daylight hours. The North Atlantic crossing occupies the middle 6-7 hours with no major landmarks. As the aircraft approaches North America, Greenland's ice sheet may be visible in winter/spring conditions. The final approach crosses the Canadian Rockies and British Columbia's coastal ranges before descending into the Puget Sound basin.