The left side delivers the route's signature landmarks: Mt Rainier at departure, a string of Cascade volcanoes and the Sierra Nevada foothills during cruise, and downtown LA framed by the San Gabriel Mountains on arrival. The right side is dominated by open Pacific Ocean and less distinctive valley terrain for most of the flight.
Flight Path
Mt St Helens, Mt Hood, Mt Shasta, Sacramento Valley, Sierra Nevada foothills
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SEA
LEFTDeparting SEA heading south, Mt Rainier's snow-capped bulk rises directly off the left side of the aircraft within minutes of takeoff, with Lake Washington and the Cascade foothills filling the foreground. The right side mostly shows Puget Sound and hazier Olympic Mountains further away.
Landing at LAX
LEFTOn the descent into LAX's west-flow approach, the aircraft crosses the LA basin before turning toward final approach, giving left-side passengers a view over downtown Los Angeles' skyline and the San Gabriel Mountains rising behind the city. The right side mainly shows the flatter San Fernando Valley sprawl.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Los Angeles. The left side delivers the route's signature landmarks: Mt Rainier at departure, a string of Cascade volcanoes and the Sierra Nevada foothills during cruise, and downtown LA framed by the San Gabriel Mountains on arrival. The right side is dominated by open Pacific Ocean and less distinctive valley terrain for most of the flight.
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 SEA heading south, Mt Rainier's snow-capped bulk rises directly off the left side of the aircraft within minutes of takeoff, with Lake Washington and the Cascade foothills filling the foreground. The right side mostly shows Puget Sound and hazier Olympic Mountains further away. Notable sights include: Mt Rainier, Lake Washington, Cascade foothills, Seattle suburbs.
What can I see when landing at Los Angeles International in Los Angeles?
When landing at Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the descent into LAX's west-flow approach, the aircraft crosses the LA basin before turning toward final approach, giving left-side passengers a view over downtown Los Angeles' skyline and the San Gabriel Mountains rising behind the city. The right side mainly shows the flatter San Fernando Valley sprawl. Notable sights include: Downtown LA skyline, San Gabriel Mountains, Griffith Park/Hollywood Hills.
How long is the flight from Seattle to Los Angeles?
The flight from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes 2h 45m.
What does the Seattle to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
Mt St Helens, Mt Hood, Mt Shasta, Sacramento Valley, Sierra Nevada foothills