The left seat wins overall due to the exceptional Mount Rainier and Cascade Range views on departure, which are among the most dramatic volcano-and-range combinations visible from any major US airport. The landing views are good on either side, but the departure spectacle on the left is the highlight of this route.
Flown SEA to CAI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seattle to Cairo is 6,834 miles (10,998 km), a flight of about 14 hours.
The great circle route from SEA to CAI passes over western Canada and the Canadian Rockies, then across Hudson Bay or the northern Great Lakes, over Greenland's ice sheet or the North Atlantic, across the UK and Western Europe including the Alps, then over the Mediterranean Sea and into Egypt. Key features include the Canadian Rockies, Greenland ice cap, the Alps visible as a white serrated band, and the stark blue of the Mediterranean contrasting with the Saharan coast.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SEA
LEFTSEA's primary departure runway 16L/16R sends aircraft southward, then routes typically curve northwest before heading northeast over Canada. A left (east-facing) seat captures Mount Rainier dominating the skyline to the southeast, with the Cascade Range stretching north-south. As the aircraft banks northeast, Elliott Bay and downtown Seattle come into view on the left side.
Landing at CAI
RIGHTCairo International's primary runways 05C/23C and 05L/23L mean arrivals typically come in from the northeast or southwest. Approaching from the northeast on a roughly 230-degree heading, the right (northwest-facing) side gives a clear view of the Nile Delta fanning out across the landscape, with the transition from green agricultural land to desert sharply visible. The Pyramids of Giza are visible to the right side on approach as the aircraft descends over the delta.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Cairo International (CAI)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Cairo. The left seat wins overall due to the exceptional Mount Rainier and Cascade Range views on departure, which are among the most dramatic volcano-and-range combinations visible from any major US airport. The landing views are good on either side, but the departure spectacle on the left is the highlight of this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Seattle Tacoma International in Seattle?
During takeoff from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA), sit on the Left side for the best views. SEA's primary departure runway 16L/16R sends aircraft southward, then routes typically curve northwest before heading northeast over Canada. A left (east-facing) seat captures Mount Rainier dominating the skyline to the southeast, with the Cascade Range stretching north-south. As the aircraft banks northeast, Elliott Bay and downtown Seattle come into view on the left side. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier (14,411 ft), Elliott Bay and downtown Seattle skyline, Lake Washington, Cascade Range ridgeline.
What can I see when landing at Cairo International in Cairo?
When landing at Cairo International (CAI), sit on the Right side for the best views. Cairo International's primary runways 05C/23C and 05L/23L mean arrivals typically come in from the northeast or southwest. Approaching from the northeast on a roughly 230-degree heading, the right (northwest-facing) side gives a clear view of the Nile Delta fanning out across the landscape, with the transition from green agricultural land to desert sharply visible. The Pyramids of Giza are visible to the right side on approach as the aircraft descends over the delta. Notable sights include: Nile Delta agricultural fan, Pyramids of Giza plateau, Cairo urban sprawl, sharp green-to-desert boundary west of the city.
How long is the flight from Seattle to Cairo?
The flight from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Cairo International (CAI) takes about 14 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 6,834 miles (10,998 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seattle to Cairo flight path pass over?
The great circle route from SEA to CAI passes over western Canada and the Canadian Rockies, then across Hudson Bay or the northern Great Lakes, over Greenland's ice sheet or the North Atlantic, across the UK and Western Europe including the Alps, then over the Mediterranean Sea and into Egypt. Key features include the Canadian Rockies, Greenland ice cap, the Alps visible as a white serrated band, and the stark blue of the Mediterranean contrasting with the Saharan coast.