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IAH → SEA
Which side of the plane to sit from George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport (Houston) to Seattle Tacoma International Airport (Seattle)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is the premier choice for mountain enthusiasts, offering a continuous gallery of the Rocky Mountains, high-altitude desert plateaus, and the volcanic giants of the Cascades.
Colorado Rockies
Spectacular views of the Continental Divide and the high-altitude peaks of the Southern Rocky Mountains.
Arches and Canyonlands
Striking red rock formations and deep river canyons are visible as the flight path skirts southern and eastern Utah.
Mount St. Helens
The iconic horseshoe-shaped crater and surrounding blast zone are clearly visible during the descent into Washington.
Mount Adams
A massive, broad stratovolcano that stands prominently in the eastern Cascades as you enter Washington airspace.
Seattle Skyline
If landing on the northern runways, the right side provides a perfect view of the Space Needle, downtown skyscrapers, and the waterfront.
The right side is a 'volcano hunter's' dream. Keep your window shade open during the final 45 minutes of the flight to spot the trio of Mount Hood, Mount Adams, and Mount St. Helens. For afternoon flights, be prepared for some glare, but the golden hour lighting on the snow-capped Rockies is unparalleled.
Chihuahuan Desert
Expansive views of the rugged, arid landscapes of West Texas and New Mexico early in the flight.
Great Salt Lake
The stark white salt flats and turquoise hues of the Great Salt Lake are often visible as you cross northern Utah.
Mount Rainier
On many southern arrivals into SEA, this massive 14,411-foot glacier-clad volcano dominates the left window.
Olympic Mountains
The jagged, snow-capped peaks of the Olympic Peninsula are visible across the Puget Sound during the final descent.
Sit on the left for morning departures to avoid the harsh southern sun. This side offers the most dramatic 'close-up' of Mount Rainier if the flight approaches from the southeast. During winter, look for the stark contrast of snow against the dark evergreen forests of the Pacific Northwest.
Distance: 3,013 km (1,872 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 33 min
Departure: IAH (29.98439979553223, -95.34140014648438)
Arrival: SEA (47.449001, -122.308998)
Route Type: Domestic
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