The right side wins narrowly thanks to the Cascade Range and Mount Rainier visible during departure and the dramatic river-and-hill cityscape of Chongqing on arrival, while the long mid-flight stretch over the Pacific and Siberian taiga offers little differentiation between sides.
Flown SEA to CKG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seattle to Chongqing is 6,300 miles (10,138 km), a flight of about 13 hours 25 minutes.
Gulf of Alaska, Aleutian Islands vicinity, Kamchatka Peninsula, Siberian taiga, Mongolian plateau
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SEA
RIGHTAs SEA departures typically climb north over Puget Sound before turning west toward the Pacific, the right side offers a classic view back toward the Cascade Range, with Mount Rainier's glaciated summit often visible rising above the foothills during the climb and turn.
Landing at CKG
RIGHTOn approach into Chongqing's hilly Sichuan Basin terrain, the right side typically faces east toward the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, where Chongqing's dense high-rise skyline sits dramatically on the river peninsulas surrounded by forested hills.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Jiangbei (CKG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Chongqing. The right side wins narrowly thanks to the Cascade Range and Mount Rainier visible during departure and the dramatic river-and-hill cityscape of Chongqing on arrival, while the long mid-flight stretch over the Pacific and Siberian taiga offers little differentiation between sides.
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. As SEA departures typically climb north over Puget Sound before turning west toward the Pacific, the right side offers a classic view back toward the Cascade Range, with Mount Rainier's glaciated summit often visible rising above the foothills during the climb and turn. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier, Cascade foothills, Lake Washington, Puget Sound shoreline.
What can I see when landing at Jiangbei in Chongqing?
When landing at Jiangbei (CKG), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Chongqing's hilly Sichuan Basin terrain, the right side typically faces east toward the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, where Chongqing's dense high-rise skyline sits dramatically on the river peninsulas surrounded by forested hills. Notable sights include: Yangtze River, Jialing River confluence, Chongqing skyline, forested hill ridges of the Sichuan Basin.
How long is the flight from Seattle to Chongqing?
The flight from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Jiangbei (CKG) takes about 13 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,300 miles (10,138 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seattle to Chongqing flight path pass over?
Gulf of Alaska, Aleutian Islands vicinity, Kamchatka Peninsula, Siberian taiga, Mongolian plateau