Photos of the Week: Top of the World

Alaska Airlines marked four years of serving Pittsburgh International Airport on Sept. 6. The airline launched daily nonstop flights between PIT and Seattle in 2018, linking two vibrant cities that share extensive tech and life sciences connections.

Since starting service, Alaska Airlines has become a full member of the Oneworld Alliance and grown its Pittsburgh-Seattle service to twice daily in the summer, offering travelers more options to the Emerald City and beyond.

It also offers more chances for aviation enthusiasts to see Alaska Airlines aircraft and their numerous special schemes at PIT.

In this photo, Demond Gower caught the airline’s promotional Toy Story 4 livery parked at the gate. Alaska Airlines and Disney Pixar share a partnership that includes other cool paint jobs, such as one of Disneyland and Pixar Pier.

For travelers, nothing beats a nonstop between Pittsburgh and Seattle—except perhaps the amazing views out an airplane window of the Pacific Northwest from Theresa Kist.

The approach into Seattle Tacoma International Airport is famous for featuring Mount Rainier. Standing at more than 14,000 feet tall, Mount Rainier is the tallest mountain of the Cascade Range can usually be seen while sitting on the right side of the aircraft.

Mount Rainier is so tall it pokes above the clouds to a height even greater than the altitude of aircraft on approach into Seattle. No need to worry, however; the mountain is about 60 miles northeast of Seattle, far enough away where it poses little risk to approaching airplanes.

Thanks for sharing, Demond and Theresa!

Our readers continue to pass along shots of unique aircraft, international airports, historical events, gorgeous views and even family vacation photos for this feature. We love them! Keep them coming—you can click here for submission guidelines.

Mount Rainier seen from out the window of an Alaska Airlines flight approaching Seattle Tacoma International Airport. (Photo submitted by Theresa Kist)