Right-side seats win overall due to the exceptional Mount Rainier views during departure, which is the most visually dramatic segment of this route. While left-side landing views of Manhattan are excellent, the volcanic peak and Cascade Range during climb-out offer more distinctive natural scenery.
Flown SEA to LGA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seattle to New York is 2,406 miles (3,873 km), a flight of about 5 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Northern Rocky Mountains (Montana/Idaho border region), then transitions over the Great Plains. Notable features include: the Bitterroot Range and Flathead Lake area (Montana), the Continental Divide, Glacier National Park region, then the vast Great Plains with occasional river valleys (Missouri River system visible in places). The flight typically cruises at 35,000-37,000 feet over these regions. As the aircraft approaches the East Coast, it descends over the Appalachian foothills and eventually the Hudson River valley approaching New York.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SEA
RIGHTRight-side seats offer the best views during Seattle departure. Aircraft typically climb out heading east or northeast, and right-side windows face south toward the Cascade Range and Mount Rainier. You'll see the dramatic volcanic peak rising above the surrounding landscape within the first 15-20 minutes of flight.
Landing at LGA
LEFTLeft-side seats provide superior views during approach to LaGuardia. Aircraft descend from the northwest over the Hudson River and Manhattan, and left windows face south and east toward the Manhattan skyline, East River, and Queens. You'll see the dense urban grid, major bridges, and waterfront development clearly during 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 La Guardia (LGA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to New York. Right-side seats win overall due to the exceptional Mount Rainier views during departure, which is the most visually dramatic segment of this route. While left-side landing views of Manhattan are excellent, the volcanic peak and Cascade Range during climb-out offer more distinctive natural scenery.
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. Right-side seats offer the best views during Seattle departure. Aircraft typically climb out heading east or northeast, and right-side windows face south toward the Cascade Range and Mount Rainier. You'll see the dramatic volcanic peak rising above the surrounding landscape within the first 15-20 minutes of flight. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier (14,411 ft, ~60 miles southeast), Cascade Range, Puget Sound (visible below during initial climb), Lake Washington.
What can I see when landing at La Guardia in New York?
When landing at La Guardia (LGA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide superior views during approach to LaGuardia. Aircraft descend from the northwest over the Hudson River and Manhattan, and left windows face south and east toward the Manhattan skyline, East River, and Queens. You'll see the dense urban grid, major bridges, and waterfront development clearly during final approach. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline and Hudson River, East River and Roosevelt Island, Queensboro Bridge and Williamsburg Bridge, Flushing Bay and LaGuardia runways.
How long is the flight from Seattle to New York?
The flight from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to La Guardia (LGA) takes about 5 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,406 miles (3,873 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seattle to New York flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Northern Rocky Mountains (Montana/Idaho border region), then transitions over the Great Plains. Notable features include: the Bitterroot Range and Flathead Lake area (Montana), the Continental Divide, Glacier National Park region, then the vast Great Plains with occasional river valleys (Missouri River system visible in places). The flight typically cruises at 35,000-37,000 feet over these regions. As the aircraft approaches the East Coast, it descends over the Appalachian foothills and eventually the Hudson River valley approaching New York.