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AMS → GIG
Which side of the plane to sit from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (Amsterdam) to Rio Galeão – Tom Jobim International Airport (Rio De Janeiro)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior chance of spotting Atlantic island chains and typically provides the most iconic views of Rio's mountainous landscape during the final approach into Galeão.
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Bay of Biscay
The transition from the European mainland to the deep North Atlantic Ocean.
Canary Islands
Views of volcanic peaks like Teide on Tenerife rising above the cloud layer.
Cape Verde
Stark, arid island formations visible during the mid-Atlantic crossing.
Sugarloaf Mountain
The iconic granite peak of Rio de Janeiro often visible during the descent into Guanabara Bay.
Rio Skyline
Unmatched views of the city's unique urban-nature blend, including the Christ the Redeemer statue in the distance.
This side is highly recommended for the arrival. When landing from the north, the right side often gets a panoramic view of the city and its famous landmarks. It also avoids the direct glare of the morning sun during the final 3 hours of the flight, making it better for photography of the Atlantic islands.
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The Pyrenees
Dramatic views of the mountain range forming the natural border between France and Spain.
Northeast Brazil Coast
The first sight of South America, featuring the bright turquoise waters and reefs near Natal and Recife.
Salvador de Bahia
A distant view of the historic coastal city and its large bay as the flight tracks south.
Atlantic Sunrise
A spectacular horizon view over the open ocean if on the standard overnight schedule.
Choose this side if you want to see the moment the aircraft makes landfall in South America. Since most flights are overnight, the morning sun will hit this side first, so keep your window shade down during the middle of the flight to sleep, but open it as you cross the equator for the Brazilian coast.
Get eSIMs for Netherlands
Get eSIMs for BrazilDistance: 9,560 km (5,940 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 11 hrs 15 min
Departure: AMS (52.308601, 4.76389)
Arrival: GIG (-22.8099994659, -43.2505569458)
Route Type: International
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