The left side delivers a close-up view of Mt. Rainier on departure, a near-continuous parade of Cascade and Sierra Nevada peaks during cruise, and a dramatic skyline-and-bay approach into San Diego — a far more varied and dramatic sequence than the mostly interior valley and farmland views on the right.
Flown SEA to SAN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seattle to San Diego is 1,051 miles (1,692 km), a flight of about 2 hours 50 minutes.
The route's midpoint passes over Northern California near Mt. Shasta and the upper Sacramento Valley, with the southern Cascades and northern Sierra Nevada visible to the east before the flight continues over the Central Valley toward Southern California.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SEA
LEFTDeparting SEA southbound puts Mt. Rainier directly off the left side, rising huge and close just southeast of the airport. The Cascade volcanoes continue to punctuate the view as the climb continues south toward Oregon.
Landing at SAN
LEFTThe final approach into SAN's runway 27 tracks just north of downtown San Diego, so the skyline, Balboa Park, and San Diego Bay all sit on the left side as the plane descends. It's one of the most scenic urban approaches in the country.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to San Diego. The left side delivers a close-up view of Mt. Rainier on departure, a near-continuous parade of Cascade and Sierra Nevada peaks during cruise, and a dramatic skyline-and-bay approach into San Diego — a far more varied and dramatic sequence than the mostly interior valley and farmland views 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. Departing SEA southbound puts Mt. Rainier directly off the left side, rising huge and close just southeast of the airport. The Cascade volcanoes continue to punctuate the view as the climb continues south toward Oregon. Notable sights include: Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens, Puyallup Valley, Cascade foothills.
What can I see when landing at San Diego International Lindbergh Fld in San Diego?
When landing at San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN), sit on the Left side for the best views. The final approach into SAN's runway 27 tracks just north of downtown San Diego, so the skyline, Balboa Park, and San Diego Bay all sit on the left side as the plane descends. It's one of the most scenic urban approaches in the country. Notable sights include: Balboa Park, Downtown San Diego skyline, San Diego Bay, Coronado Bridge.
How long is the flight from Seattle to San Diego?
The flight from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) takes about 2 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,051 miles (1,692 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seattle to San Diego flight path pass over?
The route's midpoint passes over Northern California near Mt. Shasta and the upper Sacramento Valley, with the southern Cascades and northern Sierra Nevada visible to the east before the flight continues over the Central Valley toward Southern California.