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BFI → ESD
Which side of the plane to sit from Boeing Field King County International Airport (Seattle) to Orcas Island Airport (Eastsound)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides an iconic view of the Seattle skyline and Space Needle immediately after departure, followed by a majestic, front-row seat to Mount Baker and the North Cascade range throughout the flight.
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Seattle Skyline
Unbeatable views of the Space Needle, Columbia Center, and the downtown waterfront right after takeoff.
Lake Union
A bird's-eye view of the historic houseboats and active seaplane lanes in the heart of the city.
Paine Field
The massive Boeing Everett factory and flight line, home to the 747, 767, and 777 programs.
Mount Baker
The massive, ice-clad volcano that dominates the northern horizon as you approach the islands.
Deception Pass
The famous high-bridge spanning the turbulent waters between Whidbey and Fidalgo Islands.
North Cascades
The 'American Alps,' a sea of jagged peaks stretching eastward toward the Canadian border.
The right side is essential for the classic 'Seattle from the air' photo. Morning flights are best on this side to avoid direct sun glare and to see the Cascades illuminated. As the plane enters the San Juan archipelago, Mount Baker will appear significantly larger; have your camera ready for the contrast between the white peak and the deep blue Salish Sea.
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Elliott Bay
Aerial views of the West Seattle peninsula and the busy Port of Seattle container terminals.
Olympic Mountains
A continuous panorama of the jagged, snow-capped peaks within Olympic National Park to the west.
Hood Canal
The long, glacier-carved fjord separating the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas.
Whidbey Island
The rugged western cliffs and sandy beaches of the longest island in Washington.
Lopez Island
View the pastoral landscapes and quiet coves of the 'Friendly Isle' during the descent.
Choose the left side for dramatic sunset views over the Olympic Mountains during evening flights. In summer, look closely at the water between the islands; this side is excellent for spotting Orca pods in the Haro Strait. Use a polarizing filter on your camera to cut through the haze over the Puget Sound for clearer mountain shots.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 139 km (86 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 14 min
Departure: BFI (47.52999877929688, -122.302001953125)
Arrival: ESD (48.708198547399995, -122.910003662)
Route Type: Domestic
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