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AMS → PDX
Which side of the plane to sit from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (Amsterdam) to Portland International Airport (Portland)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior, glare-free views of the high Arctic, including Iceland's volcanic interior, the dramatic glacier-carved fjords of Northern Greenland, and a prime angle for the iconic Cascade volcanoes like Mt. Rainier on arrival.
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Icelandic Highlands
Views of Vatnajökull glacier and the desolate, volcanic interior of the land of fire and ice.
Greenland Ice Sheet
The vast, white expanse of the world's second-largest ice body, featuring dramatic outlet glaciers.
Baffin Island
Spectacular Arctic fjords and the sheer granite cliffs of Auyuittuq National Park.
Northern Rockies
The rugged, snow-capped wilderness of the British Columbia and Alberta mountain ranges.
The Cascade Range
Breathtaking views of Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams, and the crater of Mt. St. Helens during descent.
Choosing the right side avoids the direct southern sun, providing better lighting for photos of the ice caps and glaciers. This side is particularly rewarding as you enter U.S. airspace, as it typically offers the best views of the iconic Pacific Northwest volcanoes. If the flight is in summer, you will enjoy near-constant daylight over the Arctic sections of the route.
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North Sea Coast
Clear views of the Dutch coastline and the intricate Wadden Islands shortly after takeoff.
Southern Greenland
Aerial perspective of the jagged peaks and deep blue meltwater lakes of Cape Farewell.
Hudson Bay
The southern expanse of this massive inland sea, often filled with pack ice even in early summer.
Canadian Prairies
The transition from subarctic forests to the organized grid patterns of the Saskatchewan plains.
Mt. Hood
A close-up view of Oregon's highest peak if the flight path approaches PDX from the northeast.
The left side is the 'sun side' for most of this westbound flight. While great for views of Southern Greenland, expect significant glare which can make photography difficult. During winter flights, this side may catch a glimpse of the low-hanging sun over the horizon, but for the final approach into Portland, keep your window shade open to spot Mt. Hood to the south.
Get eSIMs for Netherlands
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 8,029 km (4,989 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 9 hrs 27 min
Departure: AMS (52.308601, 4.76389)
Arrival: PDX (45.58869934, -122.5979996)
Route Type: International
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