The right side captures the two most dramatic terrain features of the trip — Mount Rainier and the Cascades at departure, and the Rocky Mountains' Front Range at arrival — while the left side offers comparatively flat, less distinctive plains and suburban views for most of the flight.
Flown SEA to BJC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seattle to Denver is 1,001 miles (1,612 km), a flight of about 2 hours 45 minutes.
Columbia River Basin, Snake River plain, and the high plains of Wyoming and northeastern Colorado beneath the Rocky Mountains' eastern slope
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SEA
RIGHTDeparting SEA to the south before turning east puts Mount Rainier and the southern Cascade peaks on the right side of the aircraft as it climbs out over Puget Sound lowlands. The left side mostly shows Seattle's northern suburbs and Puget Sound water with less relief.
Landing at BJC
RIGHTOn approach into BJC from the west, the Front Range and the abrupt rise of the Rocky Mountains sit off the right side as the aircraft descends over the high plains toward the Denver metro area. The left side shows flatter eastern plains with less distinctive terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Denver. The right side captures the two most dramatic terrain features of the trip — Mount Rainier and the Cascades at departure, and the Rocky Mountains' Front Range at arrival — while the left side offers comparatively flat, less distinctive plains and suburban views for most of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Seattle Tacoma International in Seattle?
During takeoff from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing SEA to the south before turning east puts Mount Rainier and the southern Cascade peaks on the right side of the aircraft as it climbs out over Puget Sound lowlands. The left side mostly shows Seattle's northern suburbs and Puget Sound water with less relief. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier, Cascade Range foothills, Puget Sound shoreline, Green River valley.
What can I see when landing at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport in Denver?
When landing at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into BJC from the west, the Front Range and the abrupt rise of the Rocky Mountains sit off the right side as the aircraft descends over the high plains toward the Denver metro area. The left side shows flatter eastern plains with less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Front Range foothills, Rocky Mountains skyline, Denver metro sprawl, South Platte River valley.
How long is the flight from Seattle to Denver?
The flight from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC) takes about 2 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,001 miles (1,612 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seattle to Denver flight path pass over?
Columbia River Basin, Snake River plain, and the high plains of Wyoming and northeastern Colorado beneath the Rocky Mountains' eastern slope