About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Taipei to Seattle. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. At departure you get Taipei city and the Taiwan Strait coastline; at arrival you get Mount Rainier, Lake Washington, and the Seattle skyline. The right side offers Puget Sound on approach but misses the Cascades entirely.
What can I see during takeoff from Chiang Kai Shek International in Taipei?
During takeoff from Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE), sit on the Left side for the best views. TPE typically departs on runway 05L/05R heading northeast, which puts the left (north/northwest) side facing Taipei city and the northern Taiwan coastline. You get a clear view of the Danshui River estuary and the urban grid of Taipei basin as the aircraft climbs out over the Taiwan Strait. Notable sights include: Taipei Basin and city grid, Danshui River estuary, Northern Taiwan coastline along the Taiwan Strait, Yangmingshan volcanic hills to the north.
What can I see when landing at Seattle Tacoma International in Seattle?
When landing at Seattle Tacoma International (SEA), sit on the Left side for the best views. SeaTac primarily uses runways 16L/16R for southbound arrivals, meaning the aircraft approaches from the north heading south. The left side faces east toward the Cascade Range, giving you a dramatic view of Mount Rainier and the Seattle city skyline over Elliott Bay as you descend. The right side sees only Puget Sound and the Olympic Peninsula. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier to the southeast, Seattle skyline over Elliott Bay, Lake Washington, Cascade Range foothills.
How long is the flight from Taipei to Seattle?
The flight from Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) takes Approximately 10 to 11 hours.
What does the Taipei to Seattle flight path pass over?
The great circle route from TPE to SEA tracks northeast across the North Pacific, passing over the East China Sea briefly, then arcing over the open Pacific Ocean north of Japan. The route passes south of the Aleutian Island chain, which may be faintly visible on clear days as low dark landmasses on the horizon. The final few hours cross the Gulf of Alaska before reaching the British Columbia coast, where the Coast Mountains and Vancouver Island become visible on descent into the Pacific Northwest.