The right side delivers a more complete set of views across the whole flight: Puget Sound and the Olympic foothills at takeoff, glimpses of Mount Hood along the Cascade crest during cruise, and the signature Las Vegas Strip skyline plus Red Rock Canyon on final approach. The left side's highlight is essentially limited to the excellent Mount Rainier view at departure.
Flown SEA to LAS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seattle to Las Vegas is 867 miles (1,395 km), a flight of about 2 hours 40 minutes.
The route's midpoint lies over the high desert plateau of southeastern Oregon and northern Nevada, an arid basin-and-range landscape of sagebrush flats and isolated fault-block ridges near the Oregon-Nevada border, well before the terrain transitions into the Mojave Desert approaching Las Vegas.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SEA
LEFTDeparting south from SEA, the climb-out puts Mount Rainier's massive snow-capped cone right off the left side of the aircraft, one of the most dramatic single peaks visible from any US departure. The right side only offers Puget Sound and the Olympic foothills, which is pleasant but less striking than a 14,000-foot volcano at close range.
Landing at LAS
RIGHTOn the typical westbound approach into runway 26, the aircraft descends from the east with the Las Vegas Strip's cluster of hotel towers passing along the right side of the plane. Red Rock Canyon's red sandstone escarpment and the Spring Mountains are also visible off the right side beyond the city as the plane lines up for landing.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Mc Carran International (LAS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Las Vegas. The right side delivers a more complete set of views across the whole flight: Puget Sound and the Olympic foothills at takeoff, glimpses of Mount Hood along the Cascade crest during cruise, and the signature Las Vegas Strip skyline plus Red Rock Canyon on final approach. The left side's highlight is essentially limited to the excellent Mount Rainier view at departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Seattle Tacoma International in Seattle?
During takeoff from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing south from SEA, the climb-out puts Mount Rainier's massive snow-capped cone right off the left side of the aircraft, one of the most dramatic single peaks visible from any US departure. The right side only offers Puget Sound and the Olympic foothills, which is pleasant but less striking than a 14,000-foot volcano at close range. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier, Cascade foothills, Green River valley, White River drainage.
What can I see when landing at Mc Carran International in Las Vegas?
When landing at Mc Carran International (LAS), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the typical westbound approach into runway 26, the aircraft descends from the east with the Las Vegas Strip's cluster of hotel towers passing along the right side of the plane. Red Rock Canyon's red sandstone escarpment and the Spring Mountains are also visible off the right side beyond the city as the plane lines up for landing. Notable sights include: Las Vegas Strip skyline, Red Rock Canyon escarpment, Spring Mountains, McCullough Range.
How long is the flight from Seattle to Las Vegas?
The flight from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Mc Carran International (LAS) takes about 2 hours 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 867 miles (1,395 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seattle to Las Vegas flight path pass over?
The route's midpoint lies over the high desert plateau of southeastern Oregon and northern Nevada, an arid basin-and-range landscape of sagebrush flats and isolated fault-block ridges near the Oregon-Nevada border, well before the terrain transitions into the Mojave Desert approaching Las Vegas.