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BHX → ZRH
Which side of the plane to sit from Birmingham International Airport (Birmingham) to Zürich Airport (Zurich)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of the historic English countryside, the iconic vineyards of France, and a more dramatic panoramic view of the Swiss Alps and the Jura Mountains upon the descent into Zurich.
Oxford University
Shortly after takeoff, look for the 'dreaming spires' and the distinctive circular Radcliffe Camera building.
Champagne Region
The rolling hills of the Grand Est region in France, famous for its sprawling vineyards and historic estates.
Vosges Mountains
The rounded, granitic peaks of eastern France provide a rugged contrast to the agricultural plains.
The High Alps
As the plane descends, the snow-capped peaks of the Bernese Oberland and Central Alps dominate the southern horizon.
Zurich City & Lake
A stunning view of the city center and the long, thin Lake Zurich stretching into the distance during the final approach.
The right side is unbeatable for the approach into ZRH, especially if landing on Runway 14 or 16, as it provides a front-row seat to the Alpine skyline. In winter, the low sun can make the Alps look particularly dramatic during afternoon flights.
London & Thames Estuary
On clear days, you can spot the distant sprawl of London and the winding River Thames as the flight heads southeast.
English Channel
A classic view of the Dover Strait, often dotted with cargo ships and ferries crossing one of the world's busiest waterways.
Flanders Plains
The flat, historic landscapes of Northern France and Belgium, marked by intricate canal systems and small villages.
Black Forest
The dense, dark canopy of the Schwarzwald in Southern Germany is visible just before crossing the Swiss border.
Lake Constance
A magnificent view of the 'Bodensee', the massive lake where Germany, Austria, and Switzerland meet.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. Keep an eye out for the Rhine River as it snakes toward Basel; it serves as a great navigational landmark for the final 15 minutes of the flight.
Distance: 921 km (572 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 32 min
Departure: BHX (52.4538993835, -1.7480299472799998)
Arrival: ZRH (47.464699, 8.54917)
Route Type: International
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