Right side scores higher due to the exceptional landing approach over the Panama Canal and Gatun Lake—one of the world's most engineered and visually distinctive waterways. While left side offers a strong Seattle departure with Puget Sound and urban scenery, the cruise phase over the Caribbean and Central America heavily favors the right side's view of the canal approach. The takeoff advantage on the left is outweighed by the landing spectacle on the right.
Flown SEA to PAC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seattle to Panama City is 3,644 miles (5,865 km), a flight of about 7 hours 25 minutes.
Pacific coastline of Mexico and Central America (Baja California, Sinaloa coast, Guatemala highlands), Sierra Madre mountain ranges, Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean transition zone, Yucatan Peninsula (visible on southern routes), tropical rainforest canopy of southern Mexico and Belize, occasional volcanic peaks in Guatemala and El Salvador
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from SEA
LEFTLeft side captures Seattle's urban waterfront and Puget Sound during northbound departure. Passengers see Elliott Bay, downtown Seattle skyline, and the San Juan Islands archipelago stretching north. Right side shows suburban sprawl and forested terrain with no distinctive landmarks.
Landing at PAC
RIGHTRight side offers superior approach scenery into Panama City. Descending aircraft typically approach from the north or northeast, giving right-side passengers views of the Panama Canal, Gatun Lake, and the Isthmus of Panama's lush tropical landscape. Left side faces open Caribbean waters with minimal landmarks.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Marcos A Gelabert International (PAC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Panama City. Right side scores higher due to the exceptional landing approach over the Panama Canal and Gatun Lake—one of the world's most engineered and visually distinctive waterways. While left side offers a strong Seattle departure with Puget Sound and urban scenery, the cruise phase over the Caribbean and Central America heavily favors the right side's view of the canal approach. The takeoff advantage on the left is outweighed by the landing spectacle on the right.
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. Left side captures Seattle's urban waterfront and Puget Sound during northbound departure. Passengers see Elliott Bay, downtown Seattle skyline, and the San Juan Islands archipelago stretching north. Right side shows suburban sprawl and forested terrain with no distinctive landmarks. Notable sights include: Elliott Bay and Seattle waterfront, Puget Sound, San Juan Islands, Mount Rainier (distant, southeast).
What can I see when landing at Marcos A Gelabert International in Panama City?
When landing at Marcos A Gelabert International (PAC), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers superior approach scenery into Panama City. Descending aircraft typically approach from the north or northeast, giving right-side passengers views of the Panama Canal, Gatun Lake, and the Isthmus of Panama's lush tropical landscape. Left side faces open Caribbean waters with minimal landmarks. Notable sights include: Panama Canal and Gatun Lake, Isthmus of Panama rainforest, Panama City skyline and harbor, Bridge of the Americas.
How long is the flight from Seattle to Panama City?
The flight from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Marcos A Gelabert International (PAC) takes about 7 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,644 miles (5,865 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seattle to Panama City flight path pass over?
Pacific coastline of Mexico and Central America (Baja California, Sinaloa coast, Guatemala highlands), Sierra Madre mountain ranges, Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean transition zone, Yucatan Peninsula (visible on southern routes), tropical rainforest canopy of southern Mexico and Belize, occasional volcanic peaks in Guatemala and El Salvador