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MSP → SEA
Which side of the plane to sit from Minneapolis-St Paul International/Wold-Chamberlain Airport (Minneapolis) to Seattle Tacoma International Airport (Seattle)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior primarily for the iconic, close-up view of Mount Rainier during the descent into Seattle, plus excellent views of the South Dakota Badlands.
Badlands National Park
Striking sedimentary rock formations and deep canyons visible over western South Dakota.
Black Hills
The dark, forested silhouettes of the Black Hills rise sharply from the surrounding plains.
Missouri River
A wide, winding view of the Missouri River near Pierre, SD, marking the transition to the West.
Bighorn Mountains
Snow-capped peaks and high alpine plateaus visible as you cross into Wyoming and Montana.
Mount Rainier
The absolute highlight; the massive, glacier-clad volcano dominates the window view during the final 20 minutes of flight.
Choose the left side for morning flights to keep the sun behind you and enjoy the best lighting on the landscapes. Mount Rainier will appear on this side during the 'standard' arrival into SEA; keep your camera ready about 15-20 minutes before landing. In winter, the snow-covered Badlands offer incredible geometric shadows and textures.
Northern Plains
A vast, colorful patchwork of agricultural fields stretching across Minnesota and North Dakota.
Lake Sakakawea
The massive, jagged shoreline of this Missouri River reservoir in North Dakota is highly visible.
Northern Rockies
Continuous views of rugged, remote wilderness throughout Montana and the Idaho Panhandle.
North Cascades
Known as the 'American Alps,' these jagged, glaciated peaks are visible during the crossing into Washington.
Puget Sound
Glimpses of the intricate waterways and islands of the Sound if the flight approaches from the north.
The right side is ideal for evening flights to catch the sunset over the horizon. If the flight takes a more northerly path, look out for the distant peaks of Glacier National Park. On specific northern approaches into SEA, you may get a view of the Seattle skyline and the Space Needle from this side.
Distance: 2,245 km (1,395 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs
Departure: MSP (44.882, -93.221802)
Arrival: SEA (47.449001, -122.308998)
Route Type: Domestic
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