While the right side gets the dramatic Cascades departure, the left side delivers a richer overall arc: glimpses of Greenland's ice sheet and Iceland's volcanic coast during the long high-latitude cruise, followed by a genuine Paris skyline view on final approach.
Flown SEA to CDG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seattle to Paris is 5,002 miles (8,050 km), a flight of about 9 hours 10 minutes.
The great-circle route arcs far north over Alberta and Hudson Bay, skirts southern Greenland's ice sheet and fjord coastline, then passes near Iceland before descending over Scotland or Ireland toward the English Channel and northern France.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SEA
RIGHTDeparting SEA on the north-flow runway, the aircraft banks right onto its northeast heading, swinging Mount Rainier and the snow-capped Cascade crest into view along with Puget Sound and the Tacoma waterfront below.
Landing at CDG
LEFTOn the westbound final approach into CDG, the aircraft crosses north of the city before turning onto the runway, putting central Paris and the Seine off the left windows just before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Paris. While the right side gets the dramatic Cascades departure, the left side delivers a richer overall arc: glimpses of Greenland's ice sheet and Iceland's volcanic coast during the long high-latitude cruise, followed by a genuine Paris skyline view on final approach.
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 on the north-flow runway, the aircraft banks right onto its northeast heading, swinging Mount Rainier and the snow-capped Cascade crest into view along with Puget Sound and the Tacoma waterfront below. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier, Cascade Range, Puget Sound, Tacoma waterfront.
What can I see when landing at Charles De Gaulle in Paris?
When landing at Charles De Gaulle (CDG), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the westbound final approach into CDG, the aircraft crosses north of the city before turning onto the runway, putting central Paris and the Seine off the left windows just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Eiffel Tower, Seine River, Sacré-Cœur/Montmartre, La Défense skyline.
How long is the flight from Seattle to Paris?
The flight from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG) takes about 9 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,002 miles (8,050 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seattle to Paris flight path pass over?
The great-circle route arcs far north over Alberta and Hudson Bay, skirts southern Greenland's ice sheet and fjord coastline, then passes near Iceland before descending over Scotland or Ireland toward the English Channel and northern France.