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PHX → SEA
Which side of the plane to sit from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (Phoenix) to Seattle Tacoma International Airport (Seattle)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a front-row seat to the most iconic volcanic peaks of the Cascade Range, including a spectacular close-up of Mount Rainier, alongside views of the Grand Canyon shortly after takeoff.
Grand Canyon
Early in the flight, catch the massive red rock layers and carved canyons of Northern Arizona.
Lake Mead
The bright blue waters of the reservoir contrasted against the stark desert hills near Las Vegas.
Mount Hood
Oregon's highest peak stands out clearly with its sharp, snowy summit near the Columbia River.
Mount Rainier
The absolute highlight of the route; the massive volcano looms incredibly close during the Seattle approach.
Seattle Skyline
Views of the Space Needle and downtown skyscrapers if the aircraft lands toward the north.
Sit on the right for the iconic 'volcano row' experience. Morning flights are best for this side to avoid the harsh afternoon sun. Mount Rainier is the star attraction; keep your camera ready about 20 minutes before landing. If landing to the north, you'll also see the downtown Seattle waterfront.
Sonoran Desert
Expansive desert landscapes and unique rock formations immediately after leaving the Phoenix valley.
Great Basin
Vast stretches of high-altitude desert and salt flats stretching toward the Nevada border.
Crater Lake
The deep blue caldera of Oregon's famous volcanic lake is often visible to the west mid-flight.
Mount St. Helens
View the dramatic horseshoe-shaped crater left by the 1980 eruption as you enter Washington.
Olympic Mountains
Snow-capped peaks and the rugged wilderness of the Olympic Peninsula during the final descent.
The left side is ideal for sunset flights, providing stunning colors over the Pacific horizon. It also offers the best chance to spot the deep blue of Crater Lake. Be aware of midday glare when flying north, as the sun will be on this side for a significant portion of the trip.
Distance: 1,782 km (1,107 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 23 min
Departure: PHX (33.43429946899414, -112.01200103759766)
Arrival: SEA (47.449001, -122.308998)
Route Type: Domestic
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