For most of this 12-plus hour crossing, the right side faces north toward Alaska's coastal mountains, the volcanic Aleutian and Kamchatka peninsulas, and later Japan's coastline and Korea, giving repeated landmark sightings across an otherwise oceanic route. The left side faces the open North Pacific and Sea of Japan for hours with little to see, capping its scenic value.
Flown SEA to PVG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seattle to Shanghai is 5,709 miles (9,188 km), a flight of about 12 hours 35 minutes.
Aleutian Islands, Bering Sea, Kamchatka Peninsula volcanoes, and the Sea of Okhotsk near the route's northern apex
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SEA
LEFTDeparting SEA on runway 34, the jet climbs north over Puget Sound before banking toward the Pacific great-circle route, giving left-side passengers a clear view of the Sound's islands and the snow-capped Olympic Mountains beyond. The right side mainly shows Lake Washington and the Cascade foothills, which are pleasant but less dramatic than the water-and-peaks combination on the left.
Landing at PVG
RIGHTOn approach into PVG heading south over the Yangtze Delta, the right side of the aircraft faces west toward central Shanghai, offering a good look at the Pudong skyline and the Huangpu River before the runway environment takes over. The left side mostly shows flat farmland and river channels near Hangzhou Bay, which is far less distinctive.
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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 Shanghai Pudong International (PVG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Shanghai. For most of this 12-plus hour crossing, the right side faces north toward Alaska's coastal mountains, the volcanic Aleutian and Kamchatka peninsulas, and later Japan's coastline and Korea, giving repeated landmark sightings across an otherwise oceanic route. The left side faces the open North Pacific and Sea of Japan for hours with little to see, capping its scenic value.
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. Departing SEA on runway 34, the jet climbs north over Puget Sound before banking toward the Pacific great-circle route, giving left-side passengers a clear view of the Sound's islands and the snow-capped Olympic Mountains beyond. The right side mainly shows Lake Washington and the Cascade foothills, which are pleasant but less dramatic than the water-and-peaks combination on the left. Notable sights include: Puget Sound, Bainbridge Island, Olympic Mountains, Elliott Bay/downtown Seattle.
What can I see when landing at Shanghai Pudong International in Shanghai?
When landing at Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into PVG heading south over the Yangtze Delta, the right side of the aircraft faces west toward central Shanghai, offering a good look at the Pudong skyline and the Huangpu River before the runway environment takes over. The left side mostly shows flat farmland and river channels near Hangzhou Bay, which is far less distinctive. Notable sights include: Pudong skyline (Lujiazui towers, Oriental Pearl Tower), Huangpu River, Yangtze River Delta suburbs, Chongming Island.
How long is the flight from Seattle to Shanghai?
The flight from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) takes about 12 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,709 miles (9,188 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seattle to Shanghai flight path pass over?
Aleutian Islands, Bering Sea, Kamchatka Peninsula volcanoes, and the Sea of Okhotsk near the route's northern apex