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SEA â CDG
Which side of the plane to sit from Seattle Tacoma International Airport (Seattle) to Charles de Gaulle International Airport (Paris)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a front-row seat to the desolate beauty of the Arctic, including the massive Greenland ice sheet and the highest probability of witnessing the Aurora Borealis during the crossing.
British Columbia Coast
Aerial views of the rugged fjords and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies and Coast Mountains.
Baffin Island
Dramatic glacial valleys and frozen shorelines of Canada's largest island.
Greenland Ice Sheet
The mesmerizing, endless white expanse of the interior ice cap, which can be seen for hours.
Aurora Borealis
Because the route passes through high latitudes, the left side (facing north) provides the best view of the Northern Lights on overnight flights.
North Sea
Clear views of the remote shipping lanes as the flight approaches the European continent.
Choose a window seat forward of the wing to avoid engine glare. For the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights, book a flight that departs Seattle in the evening during the winter months. Keep your window shade down unless looking out to avoid waking other passengers with the early Arctic sunrise.
Mount Rainier
Spectacular views of Washington's highest peak immediately after takeoff from SEA.
Hudson Bay
Views of the massive inland sea, often filled with floating ice blocks depending on the season.
South Greenland Coast
Jagged mountain ranges, deep blue fjords, and icebergs breaking off into the North Atlantic.
Scotland & UK
On more southerly tracks, you may see the rolling green landscapes of the Scottish Highlands.
Northern France
The patchwork of agricultural fields and small villages in the Picardy region before the final descent into CDG.
The right side is superior for the initial climb out of Seattle, often providing a direct view of Mount Rainier. During the Atlantic crossing, the right side experiences much brighter direct sunlight; if you prefer a cooler cabin and less glare for sleeping, this might be a drawback. On arrival at CDG, the right side can sometimes offer a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower if the wind requires a northern approach.
Distance: 8,049 km (5,001 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 9 hrs 28 min
Departure: SEA (47.449001, -122.308998)
Arrival: CDG (49.012798, 2.55)
Route Type: International
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