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SEA → SBA
Which side of the plane to sit from Seattle Tacoma International Airport (Seattle) to Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (Santa Barbara)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side of the aircraft offers an unparalleled parade of the Cascade Range's most iconic volcanic peaks, providing close-up views of Mount Rainier, Mount Hood, and the massive Mount Shasta as you travel south.
Mount Rainier
Shortly after departure from SEA, the massive glaciated peak of Rainier dominates the horizon to the east.
Mount Hood
Oregon's tallest peak is clearly visible as the flight passes east of the Portland metropolitan area.
Crater Lake
The deep blue waters of this volcanic caldera are a highlight when flying over southern Oregon.
Mount Shasta
This towering, snow-capped stratovolcano is a landmark feature as the flight enters Northern California.
Santa Ynez Mountains
During the final descent into SBA, these rugged mountains provide a dramatic backdrop to the city of Santa Barbara.
Choose the left side for morning flights to have the sun behind you, perfectly illuminating the volcanic peaks. On clear days, you can see as far as the Three Sisters in Oregon. Keep your camera ready within the first 15 minutes for Rainier and around 45-60 minutes for Shasta.
Olympic Mountains
Distant views of the rugged Olympic range are visible to the west immediately after takeoff.
Pacific Coastline
Depending on the flight path, glimpses of the rugged Oregon and Northern California coasts appear in the distance.
San Francisco Bay
On clear days, the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco skyline are often visible to the west.
Channel Islands
As the plane prepares to land at SBA, the Channel Islands chain is often visible across the Santa Barbara Channel.
The right side is the best choice for evening flights to witness the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. During the descent into Santa Barbara, look for the oil platforms in the channel and the silhouette of Santa Cruz Island.
Distance: 1,463 km (909 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 57 min
Departure: SEA (47.449001, -122.308998)
Arrival: SBA (34.42620087, -119.8399963)
Route Type: Domestic
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