The left side delivers the flight's two strongest visual moments: a close pass by Mount Rainier right after takeoff and a dramatic Wasatch Range backdrop on arrival into Salt Lake City, while the right side offers only the comparatively flatter Puget Sound and Great Salt Lake basin views.
Flown SEA to SLC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seattle to Salt Lake City is 688 miles (1,107 km), a flight of about 1 hour 55 minutes.
Central Washington's Columbia Plateau, the Blue Mountains of northeastern Oregon, and the Snake River Plain of southern Idaho before descending toward the Great Salt Lake basin
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SEA
LEFTSEA departures for this route climb out southbound before turning southeast toward Idaho, and the left side faces east across Lake Washington toward the Cascades. Mount Rainier dominates the horizon almost immediately after rotation, one of the most recognizable volcanic peaks visible from any US airport departure.
Landing at SLC
LEFTOn final approach into SLC, the aircraft aligns south down the Salt Lake Valley, putting the steep, snow-streaked Wasatch Range on the left side. These peaks rise abruptly right at the edge of the valley, giving a dramatic close-in view rarely matched by the flatter lake side to the west.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Salt Lake City International (SLC)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Salt Lake City. The left side delivers the flight's two strongest visual moments: a close pass by Mount Rainier right after takeoff and a dramatic Wasatch Range backdrop on arrival into Salt Lake City, while the right side offers only the comparatively flatter Puget Sound and Great Salt Lake basin views.
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. SEA departures for this route climb out southbound before turning southeast toward Idaho, and the left side faces east across Lake Washington toward the Cascades. Mount Rainier dominates the horizon almost immediately after rotation, one of the most recognizable volcanic peaks visible from any US airport departure. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier, Lake Washington, Seattle downtown skyline, Cascade foothills.
What can I see when landing at Salt Lake City International in Salt Lake City?
When landing at Salt Lake City International (SLC), sit on the Left side for the best views. On final approach into SLC, the aircraft aligns south down the Salt Lake Valley, putting the steep, snow-streaked Wasatch Range on the left side. These peaks rise abruptly right at the edge of the valley, giving a dramatic close-in view rarely matched by the flatter lake side to the west. Notable sights include: Wasatch Range peaks, Big Cottonwood Canyon, Salt Lake Valley floor, downtown Salt Lake City.
How long is the flight from Seattle to Salt Lake City?
The flight from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Salt Lake City International (SLC) takes about 1 hour 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 688 miles (1,107 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seattle to Salt Lake City flight path pass over?
Central Washington's Columbia Plateau, the Blue Mountains of northeastern Oregon, and the Snake River Plain of southern Idaho before descending toward the Great Salt Lake basin