The right side wins on the strength of the Cascade Range and Mount Rainier during departure, plus a bonus glimpse of the Columbus skyline on arrival, while the left side sees mostly flat plains and a less scenic descent.
Flown SEA to CMH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seattle to Columbus is 2,011 miles (3,237 km), a flight of about 4 hours 10 minutes.
The route's midpoint falls over western South Dakota near the Black Hills and Badlands, with the Missouri River crossing visible below before the terrain flattens into the Great Plains and eastern Corn Belt farmland leading into Ohio.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SEA
RIGHTDeparting SEA to the south before turning east, the right side gives a clear view of the Cascade Range, with Mount Rainier's glaciated summit dominating the horizon just southeast of the airport. Puget Sound and the Olympics are visible briefly on the left, but the volcanic peaks on the right are the standout feature of the climb-out.
Landing at CMH
RIGHTOn the turn to final for Columbus, the right side offers a look at the downtown skyline along the Scioto River before the aircraft lines up with the east-west runways. It's not dramatic terrain, but it's the only real point of visual interest in the otherwise flat Ohio farmland approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Port Columbus International (CMH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Columbus. The right side wins on the strength of the Cascade Range and Mount Rainier during departure, plus a bonus glimpse of the Columbus skyline on arrival, while the left side sees mostly flat plains and a less scenic descent.
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, the right side gives a clear view of the Cascade Range, with Mount Rainier's glaciated summit dominating the horizon just southeast of the airport. Puget Sound and the Olympics are visible briefly on the left, but the volcanic peaks on the right are the standout feature of the climb-out. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier, Cascade Range foothills, Mount St. Helens (distant), Puget Sound lowlands.
What can I see when landing at Port Columbus International in Columbus?
When landing at Port Columbus International (CMH), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the turn to final for Columbus, the right side offers a look at the downtown skyline along the Scioto River before the aircraft lines up with the east-west runways. It's not dramatic terrain, but it's the only real point of visual interest in the otherwise flat Ohio farmland approach. Notable sights include: Columbus downtown skyline, Scioto River, Ohio State University campus, surrounding farmland grid.
How long is the flight from Seattle to Columbus?
The flight from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Port Columbus International (CMH) takes about 4 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,011 miles (3,237 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seattle to Columbus flight path pass over?
The route's midpoint falls over western South Dakota near the Black Hills and Badlands, with the Missouri River crossing visible below before the terrain flattens into the Great Plains and eastern Corn Belt farmland leading into Ohio.