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CLT → SEA
Which side of the plane to sit from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (Charlotte) to Seattle Tacoma International Airport (Seattle)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides offer stunning views of the American landscape, the right side provides a superior vantage point for the rugged Badlands, Yellowstone's northern fringes, and the iconic Seattle skyline during the standard arrival sequence.
Ohio River Valley
The winding curves of the Ohio River as it snakes through the midwestern landscape.
The Badlands
Striking views of the eroded, multicolored spires and ridges of South Dakota and eastern Wyoming.
Yellowstone Fringe
Distant vistas of the high plateaus and geothermal regions of the world's first National Park.
North Cascades
Jagged, snow-capped peaks including Mount Baker and Glacier Peak visible during the northern descent path.
Seattle Skyline
If the aircraft approaches from the north, you get a front-row seat to the Space Needle and downtown skyscrapers.
The right side offers more diverse geological transitions. Watch for the stark contrast between the plains and the Rockies. If SEA is landing to the south (common in fair weather), the plane often flies north over the city and performs a U-turn, giving right-side passengers a spectacular view of the Seattle waterfront and downtown.
Great Smoky Mountains
Aerial views of the blue-misted ridges and lush forests of the southern Appalachians shortly after takeoff.
Mississippi River
A majestic crossing of the continent's largest river system, typically south of the St. Louis area.
Great Plains Patterns
Infinite geometric patterns of center-pivot irrigation circles across Nebraska and Kansas.
Mount Rainier
The star of the show; this massive 14,411-foot glacial peak dominates the left-side window during the descent into SEA.
Commencement Bay
Views of the Port of Tacoma and the southern Puget Sound as the aircraft aligns for final approach.
The left side is the 'Mount Rainier Side.' For the most dramatic views of the volcano, choose a seat behind the wing. On a clear day, the mountain appears so close you feel you can touch it. Morning flights are ideal as the sun illuminates the eastern and southern faces of the peaks you pass.
Distance: 3,660 km (2,274 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 18 min
Departure: CLT (35.2140007019043, -80.94309997558594)
Arrival: SEA (47.449001, -122.308998)
Route Type: Domestic
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