A Tale of Two Cities
New Seattle-Pittsburgh nonstop links cities with remarkable similarities (and some differences)
By Lynn McMahon
Published September 6, 2018
Read Time: 4 mins
What comes to mind when you think of Seattle? Amazon? Starbucks? A Tom Hanks-Meg Ryan movie?
How about direct flights from Pittsburgh?
That’s right. Today, Alaska Air begins nonstop flights between Pittsburgh and Seattle. The first eastbound flight departs Seattle-Tacoma International Airport at 8 a.m. and arrives at Pittsburgh International Airport at 3:53 p.m. The westbound flight departs PIT at 5 p.m. and arrives at SEA at 7:03 p.m.
To mark this occasion, let’s take a closer look at the similarities and differences between these two great cities.
It’s the view
In Pittsburgh, Mt. Washington (accessed by a fun, throwback incline) provides what USA Today has characterized as “one of the best skyline views in the world,” said David Ruppersberger, president of the Allegheny Conference’s economic development marketing arm, the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance (PRA). “From Mount Washington one can see the Laurel Highlands, about 50 miles away, at least when the sun’s out. From the Space Needle, one can see Mount Rainier, at least when the sun’s out. Each experience is distinctive, and each is breathtaking.”
“Both Seattle and Pittsburgh are bustling, urban cities that are surrounded by gorgeous natural escapes,” said Tom Norwalk, President & CEO of Visit Seattle. “In both cities, you are surrounded by water and can find hikes within a stone’s throw of downtown.”
It’s the technology
“Both Pittsburgh and Seattle are home to ever-growing tech industries,” said Craig Davis, President and CEO of VisitPITTSBURGH. “Seattle may have stepped into this industry a few seconds before Pittsburgh. However, with companies like Facebook, Uber, Google, Amazon and Argo AI, all with operations in Pittsburgh, along with a world-renowned robotics program at Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh continues to stake its claim as a major competitor in the industry.”
It’s the philanthropy
Steel magnate “Andrew Carnegie wrote the ‘gospel of wealth’ and established a modern approach to philanthropy in the early 20th century when he was the richest man in the world,” Ruppersberger said. “His example has led other civic leaders to create foundations that benefit the region, providing Pittsburgh the second-largest concentration of foundation assets on a per capita basis — second only to Seattle, thanks to another ‘richest man in the world,’ Bill Gates, who is setting an example for the entrepreneurs from his community.”
It’s the culture
“With its symphony, many museums and other cultural institutions — legacies from founding industrial families — Pittsburgh probably outranks Seattle,” Ruppersberger said. “Seattle may have an advantage with its number of artists and art galle