The left side delivers the more dramatic takeoff experience with Mount Rainier, Seattle, and Puget Sound all visible in the first 20 minutes. The landing views on the right are good but the urban Taipei approach is less spectacular than the volcanic and maritime scenery departing Seattle.
Flight Path
The route crosses the North Pacific Ocean, passing south of the Aleutian Island chain. The flight tracks over open ocean for the majority of its duration with occasional views of cloud systems and ocean surface. As the flight approaches Taiwan, the southern Japanese archipelago including the Ryukyu Islands may be visible in clear conditions, and the East China Sea transitions to the Philippine Sea near the descent into Taipei.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Sungshan (TSA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Taipei. The left side delivers the more dramatic takeoff experience with Mount Rainier, Seattle, and Puget Sound all visible in the first 20 minutes. The landing views on the right are good but the urban Taipei approach is less spectacular than the volcanic and maritime scenery departing Seattle.
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 primarily uses runways 16L/16R for southbound departures, meaning a left-bank turn northward puts the left side facing east toward the Cascades and Mount Rainier. On a northbound climb-out or right-turn departure toward the Pacific, the left side captures Elliott Bay, downtown Seattle, and the Olympic Peninsula across Puget Sound. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier to the southeast, Elliott Bay and downtown Seattle skyline, Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains to the west, Lake Washington to the east.
What can I see when landing at Sungshan in Taipei?
When landing at Sungshan (TSA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Flights from Seattle typically approach Taipei Songshan from the northeast over the Pacific, lining up for runway 10 heading westward. The right side faces south toward the Taipei Basin, giving views of the city grid, Keelung River, and the northern Taiwan coastline on descent. Notable sights include: Taipei city basin and urban grid, Keelung River winding through the city, Yangmingshan volcanic hills to the north, northern Taiwan Pacific coastline.
How long is the flight from Seattle to Taipei?
The flight from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Sungshan (TSA) takes Approximately 10 to 11 hours.
What does the Seattle to Taipei flight path pass over?
The route crosses the North Pacific Ocean, passing south of the Aleutian Island chain. The flight tracks over open ocean for the majority of its duration with occasional views of cloud systems and ocean surface. As the flight approaches Taiwan, the southern Japanese archipelago including the Ryukyu Islands may be visible in clear conditions, and the East China Sea transitions to the Philippine Sea near the descent into Taipei.