While the Cascades give the right side a strong departure moment, the left side benefits from both the scenic Lantau Island approach into Hong Kong and glimpses of the British Columbia and Alaskan coastline during the northern great-circle cruise, giving it more sustained variety across the whole flight.
Flown SEA to HKG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seattle to Hong Kong is 6,488 miles (10,442 km), a flight of about 13 hours 30 minutes.
Gulf of Alaska coastline, Aleutian Islands chain, Kamchatka Peninsula, and the East China Sea coast near Shanghai as the route curves south toward Hong Kong
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SEA
RIGHTSEA departures heading northwest toward the Pacific typically bank north past Seattle, putting the Cascade Range on the right side of the aircraft. Mount Rainier's glaciated summit and Mount Baker further north are both visible during the climb, giving a dramatic volcanic skyline.
Landing at HKG
LEFTOn the common westerly approach into HKG, the descent path crosses Lantau Island and the South China Sea before turning onto final over the harbor. Passengers on the left get sweeping views of Lantau's green mountains, outlying islands, and the water approach that Hong Kong's airport is famous for.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Hong Kong International (HKG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Hong Kong. While the Cascades give the right side a strong departure moment, the left side benefits from both the scenic Lantau Island approach into Hong Kong and glimpses of the British Columbia and Alaskan coastline during the northern great-circle cruise, giving it more sustained variety across the whole flight.
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. SEA departures heading northwest toward the Pacific typically bank north past Seattle, putting the Cascade Range on the right side of the aircraft. Mount Rainier's glaciated summit and Mount Baker further north are both visible during the climb, giving a dramatic volcanic skyline. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier, Mount Baker, Cascade foothills, Lake Washington.
What can I see when landing at Hong Kong International in Hong Kong?
When landing at Hong Kong International (HKG), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the common westerly approach into HKG, the descent path crosses Lantau Island and the South China Sea before turning onto final over the harbor. Passengers on the left get sweeping views of Lantau's green mountains, outlying islands, and the water approach that Hong Kong's airport is famous for. Notable sights include: Lantau Island peaks, South China Sea outlying islands, Hong Kong International Airport's man-made island, Pearl River Delta haze on the horizon.
How long is the flight from Seattle to Hong Kong?
The flight from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Hong Kong International (HKG) takes about 13 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,488 miles (10,442 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seattle to Hong Kong flight path pass over?
Gulf of Alaska coastline, Aleutian Islands chain, Kamchatka Peninsula, and the East China Sea coast near Shanghai as the route curves south toward Hong Kong