Takeoff views of Mount Rainier and the Cascades are more visually striking and geographically iconic than landing views. While the Bay of Bengal arrival is pleasant, the Seattle departure offers a more memorable mountain vista.
Flown SEA to MAA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seattle to Madras is 8,037 miles (12,934 km), a flight of about 17 hours 30 minutes.
This route crosses the North Pacific, passing north of Hawaii (typically 500+ miles north), then approaches Asia via the Philippine Sea. The midpoint offers open ocean views with occasional weather systems. Upon approaching Asia, the flight passes over the Philippines archipelago (Luzon visible on some routing), then descends toward the Indian subcontinent. The Bay of Bengal crossing provides views of the eastern Indian coast before landing at Chennai.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from SEA
RIGHTSEA typically departs runways 16L/R or 34L/R depending on wind. Right-side seats offer views of the Cascade Range and Mount Rainier during northbound or eastbound initial climbs. Left seats face Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, which are lower and less dramatic from this angle.
Landing at MAA
LEFTArriving at MAA typically uses runways 06 or 24 depending on wind. Left-side seats during descent offer views of the Coromandel Coast, the Bay of Bengal, and the city of Chennai's coastal layout. Right seats face inland toward the Deccan Plateau interior, which is less visually distinctive.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Chennai International (MAA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Madras. Takeoff views of Mount Rainier and the Cascades are more visually striking and geographically iconic than landing views. While the Bay of Bengal arrival is pleasant, the Seattle departure offers a more memorable mountain vista.
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 typically departs runways 16L/R or 34L/R depending on wind. Right-side seats offer views of the Cascade Range and Mount Rainier during northbound or eastbound initial climbs. Left seats face Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, which are lower and less dramatic from this angle. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier (14,410 ft, visible 50+ miles southeast), Cascade Range spine, Puget Sound waters, Lake Washington.
What can I see when landing at Chennai International in Madras?
When landing at Chennai International (MAA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Arriving at MAA typically uses runways 06 or 24 depending on wind. Left-side seats during descent offer views of the Coromandel Coast, the Bay of Bengal, and the city of Chennai's coastal layout. Right seats face inland toward the Deccan Plateau interior, which is less visually distinctive. Notable sights include: Bay of Bengal waters, Coromandel Coast shoreline, Chennai city sprawl and harbor, Eastern Ghats ridge line inland.
How long is the flight from Seattle to Madras?
The flight from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Chennai International (MAA) takes about 17 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 8,037 miles (12,934 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seattle to Madras flight path pass over?
This route crosses the North Pacific, passing north of Hawaii (typically 500+ miles north), then approaches Asia via the Philippine Sea. The midpoint offers open ocean views with occasional weather systems. Upon approaching Asia, the flight passes over the Philippines archipelago (Luzon visible on some routing), then descends toward the Indian subcontinent. The Bay of Bengal crossing provides views of the eastern Indian coast before landing at Chennai.