While the landing favors the left, the takeoff scenery from Seattle is more dramatic and visually distinctive. The Cascade Range and Mount Rainier provide superior mountain views compared to the flatter approach terrain at Istanbul. Right-side seats capture the most memorable portion of this long-haul flight.
Flown SEA to SAW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seattle to Pendik, Istanbul is 6,089 miles (9,800 km), a flight of about 11 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic, passing over or near Greenland's southern coast (ice sheets and fjords visible on clear days), then over the Norwegian Sea and Scandinavia. The Arctic regions show dramatic coastal geography. Over northern Europe, the flight passes near or over the British Isles, then continues southeast over continental Europe. The Alps may be visible on the southern portion of the European crossing. The final approach into Istanbul crosses the Balkans and approaches from the northwest over the Sea of Marmara.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SEA
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Cascade Range as the aircraft climbs eastward out of Seattle. The mountains are prominent during the initial climb and provide dramatic relief against the Puget Sound lowlands.
Landing at SAW
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views during the approach to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen, which lies on the Asian side of the Bosphorus. The descent path offers views of the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus strait, and the urban sprawl of Istanbul's Asian districts.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Pendik, Istanbul. While the landing favors the left, the takeoff scenery from Seattle is more dramatic and visually distinctive. The Cascade Range and Mount Rainier provide superior mountain views compared to the flatter approach terrain at Istanbul. Right-side seats capture the most memorable portion of this long-haul flight.
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. Right-side seats offer views of the Cascade Range as the aircraft climbs eastward out of Seattle. The mountains are prominent during the initial climb and provide dramatic relief against the Puget Sound lowlands. Notable sights include: Cascade Range, Mount Rainier (on clear days), Puget Sound, Olympic Mountains to the west.
What can I see when landing at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport in Pendik, Istanbul?
When landing at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views during the approach to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen, which lies on the Asian side of the Bosphorus. The descent path offers views of the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus strait, and the urban sprawl of Istanbul's Asian districts. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul urban area (Asian side), Prince Islands.
How long is the flight from Seattle to Pendik, Istanbul?
The flight from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) takes about 11 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,089 miles (9,800 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seattle to Pendik, Istanbul flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic, passing over or near Greenland's southern coast (ice sheets and fjords visible on clear days), then over the Norwegian Sea and Scandinavia. The Arctic regions show dramatic coastal geography. Over northern Europe, the flight passes near or over the British Isles, then continues southeast over continental Europe. The Alps may be visible on the southern portion of the European crossing. The final approach into Istanbul crosses the Balkans and approaches from the northwest over the Sea of Marmara.