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FAI → SEA
Which side of the plane to sit from Fairbanks International Airport (Fairbanks) to Seattle Tacoma International Airport (Seattle)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a front-row seat to the dramatic Alaska Range shortly after takeoff, followed by the vast wilderness of British Columbia and a spectacular descent past the snow-capped volcanoes of the North Cascades and Mt. Baker.
The Alaska Range
Stunning views of the eastern peaks of the Alaska Range, including Mt. Hayes and Mt. Deborah, shortly after departing Fairbanks.
Wrangell-St. Elias Mountains
Glimpse the massive glaciers and high peaks of the Wrangell and St. Elias ranges as you traverse the Yukon and BC border region.
BC Interior Wilderness
Fly over the rugged, endless wilderness of northern and central British Columbia, featuring deep valleys and pristine alpine lakes.
Mount Baker
A close-up view of this massive, glacier-covered stratovolcano as you cross the Canadian border into Washington state.
The North Cascades
Spectacular jagged peaks of the 'American Alps' providing a dramatic backdrop during the descent toward Seattle.
Sit on the left for early morning flights to catch the sunrise over the mountains. During the descent into SEA, this side often provides the best angle for Mount Rainier and Mount Baker if the aircraft approaches from the north. In winter, look for the aurora borealis during night flights.
Denali National Park
On exceptionally clear days, look west and backward after takeoff for a distant view of North America's highest peak.
The Inside Passage
Views of the glaciated Coast Mountains and glimpses of the coastal waterways that form the famous Inside Passage.
Puget Sound
As you approach Seattle, enjoy the intricate waterways, islands, and ferries of the Salish Sea.
Olympic Mountains
The dramatic, snow-capped skyline of the Olympic Range dominates the western horizon during the final approach.
Seattle Skyline
Depending on the landing pattern, you may see the Space Needle and the downtown core as you line up for the runway.
The right side is ideal for afternoon or evening flights to witness the sunset over the Olympic Mountains. It offers a superior perspective of the water and the complex geography of the islands of the Sound during the landing sequence at SEA.
Distance: 2,462 km (1,530 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 17 min
Departure: FAI (64.81510162, -147.85600280000003)
Arrival: SEA (47.449001, -122.308998)
Route Type: Domestic
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