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SEA → SNA
Which side of the plane to sit from Seattle Tacoma International Airport (Seattle) to John Wayne Airport-Orange County Airport (Santa Ana)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side of the aircraft offers an unparalleled view of the 'Volcano Row,' featuring the most iconic peaks of the Pacific Northwest and the rugged Sierra Nevada range.
Mount Rainier
The massive, glacier-clad peak is visible almost immediately after takeoff, standing as the highest point in the Cascades.
Mount St. Helens
The distinct horseshoe-shaped crater left by the 1980 eruption is clearly visible as you fly south toward the Oregon border.
Mount Hood
Oregon's tallest peak dominates the horizon as the flight passes near the Columbia River Gorge.
Crater Lake
The deep, vibrant blue waters of this volcanic caldera are a highlight over Southern Oregon on clear days.
Sierra Nevada Range
The rugged, snow-capped peaks of eastern California provide a dramatic backdrop through the middle of the flight.
Inland Empire
On the descent into SNA, you get sweeping views of the San Bernardino Mountains and the sprawling Southern California suburbs.
Book a window seat on the left for morning flights to see the Cascades illuminated by the sun. Rainier appears very quickly after takeoff from SEA, so have your camera ready within the first 10-15 minutes. In winter, the snow-covered volcanoes are particularly breathtaking.
Olympic Mountains
Rugged, forest-covered peaks located across the Puget Sound to the west during the initial climb.
San Francisco Bay
On clear days, you can often spot the Golden Gate Bridge and the urban density of the Bay Area to the west.
Pacific Coastline
Beautiful views of the rugged Northern California and Central Coast meeting the Pacific Ocean.
Channel Islands
During the descent into Orange County, islands like Anacapa and Santa Cruz are often visible on the horizon.
SoCal Beaches
As the plane turns for the final approach into SNA, the famous Huntington and Newport beaches come into view.
The right side is ideal for late afternoon or sunset flights to watch the sun dip below the Pacific horizon. If the flight path is more coastal, you'll get a better look at the Monterey Peninsula and Big Sur coastline.
Distance: 1,576 km (979 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 6 min
Departure: SEA (47.449001, -122.308998)
Arrival: SNA (33.67570114, -117.8679962)
Route Type: Domestic
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