Left side wins both departure and arrival. At takeoff you get Seattle's waterfront, Puget Sound, and Mount Rainier. En route the left side tracks closer to the Snake River Plain and eventually the Missouri River drainage. At landing the left side delivers the Missouri River bends and Kansas City's downtown.
Flown SEA to MCI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seattle to Kansas City is 1,486 miles (2,391 km), a flight of about 3 hours.
The flight crosses the Columbia Plateau and Snake River Plain in Idaho, then the Rocky Mountain foothills give way to the Wyoming high plains. Over Nebraska and Iowa the terrain flattens into the classic Midwest agricultural grid with the Platte River valley visible as a broad braided corridor before descending into the Missouri River basin approaching Kansas City.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SEA
LEFTSeaTac's primary departure runways (16L/16R) head south, then aircraft typically turn left (east/northeast) climbing out. The left side captures Elliott Bay, downtown Seattle, and the Olympic Peninsula across Puget Sound. Mount Rainier also comes into view to the southeast as you climb.
Landing at MCI
LEFTKansas City International typically uses runways oriented northeast-southwest. On approach from the west or northwest, the left side looks south toward downtown Kansas City and the Missouri River bends. The confluence of the Missouri and Kansas Rivers is a distinctive geographic feature visible on the left.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Kansas City International (MCI)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Kansas City. Left side wins both departure and arrival. At takeoff you get Seattle's waterfront, Puget Sound, and Mount Rainier. En route the left side tracks closer to the Snake River Plain and eventually the Missouri River drainage. At landing the left side delivers the Missouri River bends and Kansas City's downtown.
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. SeaTac's primary departure runways (16L/16R) head south, then aircraft typically turn left (east/northeast) climbing out. The left side captures Elliott Bay, downtown Seattle, and the Olympic Peninsula across Puget Sound. Mount Rainier also comes into view to the southeast as you climb. Notable sights include: Elliott Bay and downtown Seattle skyline, Puget Sound and the Olympic Peninsula, Mount Rainier to the southeast, Lake Washington.
What can I see when landing at Kansas City International in Kansas City?
When landing at Kansas City International (MCI), sit on the Left side for the best views. Kansas City International typically uses runways oriented northeast-southwest. On approach from the west or northwest, the left side looks south toward downtown Kansas City and the Missouri River bends. The confluence of the Missouri and Kansas Rivers is a distinctive geographic feature visible on the left. Notable sights include: Downtown Kansas City skyline, Missouri River bends, confluence of Missouri and Kansas Rivers, Kansas City urban grid.
How long is the flight from Seattle to Kansas City?
The flight from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Kansas City International (MCI) takes about 3 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 1,486 miles (2,391 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seattle to Kansas City flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Columbia Plateau and Snake River Plain in Idaho, then the Rocky Mountain foothills give way to the Wyoming high plains. Over Nebraska and Iowa the terrain flattens into the classic Midwest agricultural grid with the Platte River valley visible as a broad braided corridor before descending into the Missouri River basin approaching Kansas City.