The left side delivers the two best moments of the flight: Mount Rainier and the Cascades on departure, and the Mississippi River with Memphis on arrival. The right side has little to match either of those on this eastbound routing.
Flown SEA to MEM? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seattle to Memphis is 1,867 miles (3,005 km), a flight of about 3 hours 30 minutes.
The flight tracks southeast across the Columbia Plateau of eastern Washington, then over the Rocky Mountain ranges of Idaho and Montana before crossing into Wyoming and the high plains. Over Idaho and Montana, the Bitterroot Range and Clearwater Mountains are visible as rugged snow-capped terrain. The route then crosses the flat agricultural plains of Wyoming, Nebraska, and Missouri, with the Missouri River visible as a winding brown ribbon before the Mississippi comes into view on descent into Memphis.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SEA
LEFTSEA primarily uses runways 16L/16R for southbound departures, meaning a left-side seat faces east toward the Cascade Range. You get a clear view of Mount Rainier dominating the skyline, with the Seattle metro and Lake Washington visible during the initial climb.
Landing at MEM
LEFTMemphis International typically uses runways 18L/18R for southbound arrivals or 36L/36R for northbound, but approaches from the west over Arkansas are common. A left-side seat on final approach gives a view of the Mississippi River, the Memphis bridges, and the downtown skyline just before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Memphis International (MEM)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Memphis. The left side delivers the two best moments of the flight: Mount Rainier and the Cascades on departure, and the Mississippi River with Memphis on arrival. The right side has little to match either of those on this eastbound routing.
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. SEA primarily uses runways 16L/16R for southbound departures, meaning a left-side seat faces east toward the Cascade Range. You get a clear view of Mount Rainier dominating the skyline, with the Seattle metro and Lake Washington visible during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier, Lake Washington, Seattle city center, Cascade Range foothills.
What can I see when landing at Memphis International in Memphis?
When landing at Memphis International (MEM), sit on the Left side for the best views. Memphis International typically uses runways 18L/18R for southbound arrivals or 36L/36R for northbound, but approaches from the west over Arkansas are common. A left-side seat on final approach gives a view of the Mississippi River, the Memphis bridges, and the downtown skyline just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Mississippi River, Memphis downtown skyline, Hernando de Soto Bridge, Mud Island.
How long is the flight from Seattle to Memphis?
The flight from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Memphis International (MEM) takes about 3 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,867 miles (3,005 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seattle to Memphis flight path pass over?
The flight tracks southeast across the Columbia Plateau of eastern Washington, then over the Rocky Mountain ranges of Idaho and Montana before crossing into Wyoming and the high plains. Over Idaho and Montana, the Bitterroot Range and Clearwater Mountains are visible as rugged snow-capped terrain. The route then crosses the flat agricultural plains of Wyoming, Nebraska, and Missouri, with the Missouri River visible as a winding brown ribbon before the Mississippi comes into view on descent into Memphis.