The left side offers the more dramatic and varied cruise-phase scenery, with the route crossing Hudson Bay, Baffin Island, and the edge of Greenland's ice cap, culminating in the Helsinki archipelago on approach. The right side is dominated by long stretches of Canadian tundra and open ocean with fewer standout features.
Flown SEA to HEL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seattle to Helsinki is 4,768 miles (7,673 km), a flight of about 9 hours 15 minutes.
Hudson Bay, Baffin Island, southern Greenland ice cap and coastal fjords, Denmark Strait
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SEA
RIGHTDeparting SEA northbound, the right side faces east toward the Cascade Range, with Mount Rainier's glaciated cone often visible rising above the foothills as the plane climbs. The Seattle skyline and Lake Washington also briefly appear on this side during the initial turn.
Landing at HEL
LEFTOn approach into HEL from the northeast under typical southwesterly flow, the descent path crosses the Helsinki archipelago and Gulf of Finland, with the granite islands and city's coastal districts visible on the left before the turn onto final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Helsinki Vantaa (HEL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Helsinki. The left side offers the more dramatic and varied cruise-phase scenery, with the route crossing Hudson Bay, Baffin Island, and the edge of Greenland's ice cap, culminating in the Helsinki archipelago on approach. The right side is dominated by long stretches of Canadian tundra and open ocean with fewer standout features.
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 northbound, the right side faces east toward the Cascade Range, with Mount Rainier's glaciated cone often visible rising above the foothills as the plane climbs. The Seattle skyline and Lake Washington also briefly appear on this side during the initial turn. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier, Cascade Range foothills, Seattle skyline, Lake Washington.
What can I see when landing at Helsinki Vantaa in Helsinki?
When landing at Helsinki Vantaa (HEL), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into HEL from the northeast under typical southwesterly flow, the descent path crosses the Helsinki archipelago and Gulf of Finland, with the granite islands and city's coastal districts visible on the left before the turn onto final approach. Notable sights include: Helsinki archipelago, Gulf of Finland coastline, Suomenlinna fortress islands, Helsinki harbor.
How long is the flight from Seattle to Helsinki?
The flight from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Helsinki Vantaa (HEL) takes about 9 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,768 miles (7,673 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seattle to Helsinki flight path pass over?
Hudson Bay, Baffin Island, southern Greenland ice cap and coastal fjords, Denmark Strait