About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Ontario International (ONT)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Ontario. The left side delivers the best views at both ends of the flight — Mount Rainier on departure and the San Gabriel Mountains on approach — and along the route you stay on the better side for viewing the Cascades, the Oregon Cascades, and the Sierra Nevada as they pass to the east. The right side has ocean views early on but the left side wins on landmark quality throughout.
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, so a left-side seat faces east toward the Cascade Range. You get a clear view of Mount Rainier dominating the skyline, with the Seattle skyline and Elliott Bay visible behind you as you climb out. This is one of the most dramatic departure views in the Pacific Northwest. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier (14,411 ft), Elliott Bay and Seattle skyline, Lake Washington, Cascade Range foothills.
What can I see when landing at Ontario International in Ontario?
When landing at Ontario International (ONT), sit on the Left side for the best views. Ontario Airport typically uses runways 26L/26R for westbound arrivals, meaning the approach comes from the east heading west. A left-side seat faces south toward the San Gabriel Mountains, giving you a close-up view of the range rising sharply from the Inland Empire sprawl below. You also see the dense urban grid of the greater Los Angeles basin extending to the southwest. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, Inland Empire urban grid, Mount San Antonio (Mount Baldy, 10,064 ft), San Bernardino Valley.
How long is the flight from Seattle to Ontario?
The flight from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Ontario International (ONT) takes Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Seattle to Ontario flight path pass over?
The flight tracks roughly south-southeast over the Oregon Cascades including Mount Hood and Mount Jefferson, then crosses into northern California over the Shasta-Trinity region with Mount Shasta visible to the east. The route then passes over the Sacramento Valley and crosses the Tehachapi Mountains before descending into the Los Angeles Basin and the Inland Empire. The Sierra Nevada runs parallel to the east for much of the California portion of the flight.