The right side wins thanks to dramatic Cascade volcano views during departure and a distant glimpse of the Appalachian foothills during arrival, while the cruise phase over the Great Plains offers little differentiation between sides.
Flight Path
Northern Rocky Mountain foothills in Montana, the flat expanse of the Great Plains, and the Mississippi River valley crossed midway through the route
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SEA
RIGHTDeparting SEA southbound before turning east, the right side offers a clear view of the Cascade volcanoes - Mount Rainier looms large to the south, with Mount St. Helens and Mount Adams further in the distance. The left side mainly shows Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains receding behind.
Landing at RDU
RIGHTOn approach into RDU from the northeast, the right side gives a glimpse of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Piedmont foothills to the west before the plane turns onto final over the flatter Piedmont plateau near Raleigh. The left side shows mostly farmland and suburban sprawl with no distinguishing terrain.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Raleigh Durham International (RDU)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Raleigh-Durham. The right side wins thanks to dramatic Cascade volcano views during departure and a distant glimpse of the Appalachian foothills during arrival, while the cruise phase over the Great Plains offers little differentiation between sides.
What can I see during takeoff from Seattle Tacoma International in Seattle?
During takeoff from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing SEA southbound before turning east, the right side offers a clear view of the Cascade volcanoes - Mount Rainier looms large to the south, with Mount St. Helens and Mount Adams further in the distance. The left side mainly shows Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains receding behind. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, Puget Sound.
What can I see when landing at Raleigh Durham International in Raleigh-Durham?
When landing at Raleigh Durham International (RDU), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into RDU from the northeast, the right side gives a glimpse of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Piedmont foothills to the west before the plane turns onto final over the flatter Piedmont plateau near Raleigh. The left side shows mostly farmland and suburban sprawl with no distinguishing terrain. Notable sights include: Blue Ridge foothills, Piedmont plateau, Falls Lake, Raleigh skyline.
How long is the flight from Seattle to Raleigh-Durham?
The flight from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Raleigh Durham International (RDU) takes 4h 45m.
What does the Seattle to Raleigh-Durham flight path pass over?
Northern Rocky Mountain foothills in Montana, the flat expanse of the Great Plains, and the Mississippi River valley crossed midway through the route