While the right side wins the takeoff with close Cascade views, the left side dominates the much longer middle and final portions of the flight with the Coast Mountains, the St. Elias massif, and the Alaska Range on approach, giving it more sustained dramatic terrain overall.
Flown SEA to EIL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seattle to Fairbanks is 1,506 miles (2,424 km), a flight of about 3 hours 35 minutes.
British Columbia's Coast Mountains, the St. Elias Mountains along the Yukon-Alaska border (including Mount Logan and Mount St. Elias), and the forested Yukon plateau before descending into Alaska's Tanana Valley.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SEA
RIGHTClimbing north out of SEA, the right side faces the Cascades, giving passengers a receding view of Mount Rainier to the south and a growing view of Mount Baker ahead. The left side only shows the relatively flat waters of Puget Sound.
Landing at EIL
LEFTOn approach to Eielson AFB south of Fairbanks, the left side faces south toward the Alaska Range, offering a dramatic backdrop of jagged, snow-covered peaks above the flat Tanana River valley. The right side mostly shows the lower, less distinctive Yukon-Tanana uplands.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Eielson Afb (EIL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Fairbanks. While the right side wins the takeoff with close Cascade views, the left side dominates the much longer middle and final portions of the flight with the Coast Mountains, the St. Elias massif, and the Alaska Range on approach, giving it more sustained dramatic terrain overall.
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. Climbing north out of SEA, the right side faces the Cascades, giving passengers a receding view of Mount Rainier to the south and a growing view of Mount Baker ahead. The left side only shows the relatively flat waters of Puget Sound. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier, Mount Baker, Lake Washington, Cascade foothills.
What can I see when landing at Eielson Afb in Fairbanks?
When landing at Eielson Afb (EIL), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to Eielson AFB south of Fairbanks, the left side faces south toward the Alaska Range, offering a dramatic backdrop of jagged, snow-covered peaks above the flat Tanana River valley. The right side mostly shows the lower, less distinctive Yukon-Tanana uplands. Notable sights include: Alaska Range, Tanana River, Tanana Valley farmland and birch forest.
How long is the flight from Seattle to Fairbanks?
The flight from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Eielson Afb (EIL) takes about 3 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,506 miles (2,424 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seattle to Fairbanks flight path pass over?
British Columbia's Coast Mountains, the St. Elias Mountains along the Yukon-Alaska border (including Mount Logan and Mount St. Elias), and the forested Yukon plateau before descending into Alaska's Tanana Valley.