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JFK → SEA
Which side of the plane to sit from John F Kennedy International Airport (New York) to Seattle Tacoma International Airport (Seattle)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is the clear winner for the spectacular approach into Seattle, offering a close-up, iconic view of Mount Rainier and the southern Cascades.
Manhattan Skyline
Aerial views of Central Park and Midtown skyscrapers immediately after departure from JFK.
Mississippi River
Crossing the massive arterial waterway near the midpoint of the journey.
The Grand Tetons
Jagged, snow-capped peaks of Wyoming visible during the mid-to-late portion of the flight.
Mount Rainier
The crown jewel of the flight; the 14,411ft volcano appears massive on the left during the descent into SEA.
Mount St. Helens
The famous cratered volcano is often visible to the south when approaching from the east.
Book a seat well behind the wing to ensure Mount Rainier isn't blocked during the descent. For afternoon flights, this side will be sunnier, so keep the shade down until you hit the Rockies to avoid glare. The final 20 minutes of the flight are the most scenic as you cross the Cascades.
Great Lakes
Excellent views of the shorelines of Lake Erie and Lake Michigan depending on the flight path.
Chicago Skyline
Clear views of the Willis Tower and lakefront if the route passes over Northern Illinois.
South Dakota Badlands
Striking geological formations and color-banded hills visible in the northern plains.
Mount Baker
An isolated, heavily glaciated volcano visible to the north when entering Washington state.
Puget Sound
Views of the islands, ferries, and the Olympic Mountains in the distance during the final approach.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid direct sunlight. If the plane lands from the north, you may get a brief glimpse of the Seattle Space Needle and downtown waterfront. Watch for the 'Goosenecks' of the Missouri River over the Dakotas.
Distance: 3,887 km (2,415 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 34 min
Departure: JFK (40.63980103, -73.77890015)
Arrival: SEA (47.449001, -122.308998)
Route Type: Domestic
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