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DTW → SEA
Which side of the plane to sit from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Detroit) to Seattle Tacoma International Airport (Seattle)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is the preferred choice for this westbound route primarily because it offers the most iconic and close-up views of Mount Rainier during the descent into Seattle.
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Lake Michigan
Aerial views of the southern basin of Lake Michigan shortly after departing Detroit.
South Dakota Badlands
Look for the unique, striated rock formations and deep canyons of the Badlands from high altitude.
Bighorn Mountains
Dramatic views of the rugged peaks and high plateaus of northern Wyoming.
Mount Rainier
The crown jewel of the flight; this massive volcano dominates the window view during the descent into SEA.
Tacoma Waterfront
Clear views of Commencement Bay and the Tacoma city skyline just before touchdown.
Sit on the left side to guarantee a view of Mount Rainier, which is often the highlight of the trip. On afternoon flights, the sun will be on this side of the aircraft, so keep your window shade down during the middle of the flight to avoid glare, but open it as you cross over Idaho for the mountain approach. Choosing a seat behind the wing provides the best unobstructed view for photography.
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Mississippi River
The vast river system serves as a geographic milestone near the Minnesota-Wisconsin border.
The Great Plains
Geometric patterns of farmland stretching across the Dakotas into Montana.
Glacier National Park
On clear days, the jagged, snow-capped peaks of the Northern Rockies are visible to the north.
Mount Baker
A prominent glaciated stratovolcano visible in the distance near the Canadian border.
Puget Sound
A beautiful view of the islands and maritime traffic of the Sound if landing to the south.
The right side is excellent for those who prefer cooler, more consistent lighting since the sun stays on the southern side of the plane. It offers superior views of the North Cascades and potential views of the Olympic Mountains if the flight path tracks slightly north. This side is also better for seeing the sprawling suburbs of North Seattle and the Boeing Everett Factory if the approach takes you over the city.
Book Hotels in SeattleDistance: 3,093 km (1,922 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 38 min
Departure: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)
Arrival: SEA (47.449001, -122.308998)
Route Type: Domestic
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