The right side wins across all three phases: Mount Rainier and the Cascades at takeoff, the southern edge of the Greenland ice sheet, Iceland's glaciers, and the Norwegian coast during cruise, and Copenhagen's skyline plus the Oresund Bridge on arrival, versus mostly open water and less distinct terrain on the left.
Flown SEA to CPH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seattle to Copenhagen is 4,853 miles (7,810 km), a flight of about 9 hours 20 minutes.
The flight's midpoint falls near southern Greenland, where the route skirts the edge of the Greenland ice sheet and its coastal fjords before continuing toward Iceland and Norway.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SEA
RIGHTDeparting SEA on runway 34 and turning onto the northeast great-circle track puts the Cascades on the right side of the cabin, with Mount Rainier's glaciated summit and the Seattle skyline/Lake Washington sliding past below during the climb. The left side only gets Puget Sound and the more distant Olympic Mountains.
Landing at CPH
RIGHTOn approach into CPH from the northeast, the final turn onto runway 22 puts Copenhagen's city center, harbor, and the Zealand coastline on the right side, while the left side mostly faces the open Oresund strait toward Sweden. The Oresund Bridge, which touches down near the airport itself, remains visible close to the flight path on this side too.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Kastrup (CPH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Copenhagen. The right side wins across all three phases: Mount Rainier and the Cascades at takeoff, the southern edge of the Greenland ice sheet, Iceland's glaciers, and the Norwegian coast during cruise, and Copenhagen's skyline plus the Oresund Bridge on arrival, versus mostly open water and less distinct terrain on the left.
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 runway 34 and turning onto the northeast great-circle track puts the Cascades on the right side of the cabin, with Mount Rainier's glaciated summit and the Seattle skyline/Lake Washington sliding past below during the climb. The left side only gets Puget Sound and the more distant Olympic Mountains. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier, Cascade Range foothills, Lake Washington, Seattle downtown skyline.
What can I see when landing at Kastrup in Copenhagen?
When landing at Kastrup (CPH), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into CPH from the northeast, the final turn onto runway 22 puts Copenhagen's city center, harbor, and the Zealand coastline on the right side, while the left side mostly faces the open Oresund strait toward Sweden. The Oresund Bridge, which touches down near the airport itself, remains visible close to the flight path on this side too. Notable sights include: Copenhagen city skyline and harbor, Oresund Bridge, Amager Island coastline, Zealand countryside.
How long is the flight from Seattle to Copenhagen?
The flight from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Kastrup (CPH) takes about 9 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,853 miles (7,810 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seattle to Copenhagen flight path pass over?
The flight's midpoint falls near southern Greenland, where the route skirts the edge of the Greenland ice sheet and its coastal fjords before continuing toward Iceland and Norway.