SEA

Best window seat landing at Seattle Tacoma International

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

LandingLEFT

Puget Sound, Elliott Bay, downtown Seattle skyline

🛬 Landing at Seattle (SEA)

Best sideLeft
WhyMost SEA arrivals come in from the south and land heading north, so on the final descent the left side faces west over Puget Sound. You get a great look at Elliott Bay, the downtown Seattle skyline, and the Olympic Mountains rising beyond the water before touchdown.
Look forPuget Sound, Elliott Bay, downtown Seattle skyline, Olympic Mountains (distant horizon)
Left window seat view during landing at Seattle (SEA), Puget Sound, Elliott Bay, downtown Seattle skyline, Olympic Mountains (distant horizon)Left Side
Right window seat view during landing at Seattle (SEA), Puget Sound, Elliott Bay, downtown Seattle skyline, Olympic Mountains (distant horizon)Right Side
SeattlePhoto: Willian Justen de Vasconcellos

SEA is a major West Coast hub with two terminals handling domestic and international traffic. The airport is located about 3 miles south of downtown Seattle and serves as a primary connection point for Alaska Airlines operations.

⛰️ Elevation430 ft
🛫 Runways3 (16L/34R, 16C/34C, 16R/34L)
✈️ HubAlaska Airlines
📍 NearbyBFI 6 miTIW 17 miPAE 32 miOLM 43 miFRD 81 mi

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About This Airport

Which side of the plane has the best views landing at Seattle Tacoma International (SEA)?

When landing at Seattle Tacoma International (SEA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Most SEA arrivals come in from the south and land heading north, so on the final descent the left side faces west over Puget Sound. You get a great look at Elliott Bay, the downtown Seattle skyline, and the Olympic Mountains rising beyond the water before touchdown. Notable sights include: Puget Sound, Elliott Bay, downtown Seattle skyline, Olympic Mountains (distant horizon).

What can I see when arriving at Seattle?

Arriving at Seattle Tacoma International in Seattle, passengers on the Left side enjoy views of Puget Sound, Elliott Bay, downtown Seattle skyline, Olympic Mountains (distant horizon). Most SEA arrivals come in from the south and land heading north, so on the final descent the left side faces west over Puget Sound. You get a great look at Elliott Bay, the downtown Seattle skyline, and the Olympic Mountains rising beyond the water before touchdown.

What factors affect the best window seat landing at Seattle Tacoma International?

The best window seat landing at Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) depends on several factors: the approach path and runway in use, geographic features around Seattle (mountains, coastlines, city skylines), weather conditions, and time of day. Morning and evening arrivals often offer the best lighting.