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AUS destination photo

SEAAUS

Our Recommendation
8.8

Left Side of the Plane

The Left Side offers an unparalleled view of Mt. Rainier immediately after takeoff, followed by a sweep across the heart of the Rocky Mountains and the vast American prairie.

Left Side Highlights
8.8
🏔️

Mt. Rainier

The massive 14,411-foot volcano dominates the window shortly after takeoff, often appearing close enough to touch.

⛰️

Northern Rockies

Rugged, snow-dusted peaks stretching across Idaho and Wyoming offer dramatic alpine scenery.

🌾

The Great Plains

Geometric agricultural patterns and vast open landscapes create a patchwork quilt effect across the Midwest.

🏙️

Dallas-Fort Worth

The sprawling Metroplex often appears as a massive urban grid during the transition into Texas air space.

Sit on the left for the most dramatic departure; if the plane takes off to the south, you will fly directly past the eastern face of Mt. Rainier. For morning flights, this side has better lighting as the sun is positioned in the southeast. Look for the distinct transition from the rugged mountains to the flat plains near the Colorado border.

Right Side Highlights
8.3
🌋

Cascade Volcanoes

The iconic crater of Mt. St. Helens and the sharp peak of Mt. Adams are visible to the south during the climb.

🏜️

Red Rock Country

Stunning views of the deep red canyons and eroded plateaus of the Four Corners region.

🏔️

Sangre de Cristo Mountains

The southernmost subrange of the Rocky Mountains extending down into New Mexico.

🌳

Texas Hill Country

Lush rolling hills and limestone outcrops visible during the final descent into the Austin area.

The right side is superior for afternoon and evening flights, offering spectacular sunset views over the desert southwest. Keep an eye out for the distinctive horseshoe bends of rivers in the Utah and Colorado region. During the descent into Austin, this side frequently provides a better view of Lake Travis and the Highland Lakes.

Top Activities in Austin
Route Information

Distance: 2,847 km (1,769 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 48 min

Departure: SEA (47.449001, -122.308998)

Arrival: AUS (30.194499969482425, -97.6698989868164)

Route Type: Domestic

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