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ALA → AMS
Which side of the plane to sit from Almaty Airport (Alma-ata) to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (Amsterdam)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior lighting for photography throughout the westbound journey and provides spectacular views of Central Asia's unique hydrology, including Lake Balkhash and the Volga Delta, followed by the scenic Baltic coastline.
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Lake Balkhash
A massive, crescent-shaped lake in eastern Kazakhstan known for its distinct color gradient between fresh and salt water.
Kyzylkum Desert
Mesmerizing views of the vast red sands and arid steppes of Central Asia.
Volga River Delta
The intricate, labyrinthine network of the Volga River as it empties into the northern Caspian Sea near Astrakhan.
Baltic Coastline
Clear views of the Curonian Spit and the sandy shores of the Baltic Sea during the crossing into Northern Europe.
North Sea Approach
Descending over the Dutch coast provides views of massive offshore wind farms and the busy shipping lanes of the North Sea.
The right side is ideal for long-distance visibility as the sun remains to the south. Look out approximately 1 hour after takeoff for Lake Balkhash. As you approach Amsterdam, this side often provides a better view of the famous Dutch 'polders' and the North Sea coastline during the final descent pattern.
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Trans-Ili Alatau
Dramatic views of the snow-capped Tien Shan mountain range immediately after departure from Almaty.
Caspian Sea
Aerial crossing of the world's largest inland body of water, showing the transition from desert to sea.
Berlin Cityscape
On the standard flight path, the southern side of the aircraft often catches the sprawl of the German capital.
European Farmland
The geometric patterns of Polish and German agricultural fields create a colorful patchwork quilt effect.
Sit on the left for the most immediate views of the mountains upon takeoff. During the mid-flight, the sun will be on this side for most of the day, so keep your window shade partially closed if you want to avoid glare while looking for the southern Caspian coast.
Get eSIMs for Kazakhstan
Get eSIMs for NetherlandsDistance: 5,256 km (3,266 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 6 hrs 11 min
Departure: ALA (43.35210037231445, 77.04049682617188)
Arrival: AMS (52.308601, 4.76389)
Route Type: International
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