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BOH → CHQ
Which side of the plane to sit from Bournemouth Airport (Bournemouth) to Chania International Airport (Chania)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a more consistent array of dramatic geographic features, including a stunning crossing of the high Alps and the rugged coastline of the Peloponnese before landing in Crete.
Isle of Wight
Immediately after takeoff from BOH, enjoy a panoramic view of the Solent and the iconic white cliffs of the Isle of Wight.
Swiss & Italian Alps
Cross the heart of the Alps with spectacular views of snow-capped peaks like the Eiger and Jungfrau, depending on the specific airway.
The Peloponnese
As you approach Greece, the rugged mountains and deep blue bays of the southern Greek mainland come into sharp focus.
Akrotiri Peninsula
The final descent into CHQ often provides a close-up view of the monastery-dotted cliffs of the Akrotiri Peninsula.
Aegean Sea
Deep turquoise waters dotted with small islets as the aircraft turns toward the runway at Chania.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid direct glare while viewing the Alps. About 60-80 minutes into the flight, keep your camera ready for the highest Alpine peaks. During the final 20 minutes, the contrast between the Aegean Sea and the Cretan cliffs is most dramatic on this side.
Jurassic Coast
Catch a glimpse of the UNESCO World Heritage coastline of Dorset shortly after departure.
Italian Volcanoes
If the flight path tracks over the Tyrrhenian Sea, look out for the distant silhouette of Mt. Vesuvius near Naples.
Ionian Islands
Spot the western edges of Zakynthos and Kefalonia as you traverse the Ionian Sea toward Crete.
White Mountains (Lefka Ori)
On approach to Crete, the massive limestone peaks of the White Mountains dominate the horizon to the south.
The right side is ideal for catching the sunset on evening flights. It also offers the best chance to spot the Italian volcanic arc and the dramatic, desert-like landscape of the Lefka Ori mountains just before landing. Look for the Samaria Gorge entrance if the visibility is high.
Distance: 2,681 km (1,666 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 34 min
Departure: BOH (50.77999877929688, -1.8424999713897705)
Arrival: CHQ (35.531700134277344, 24.14970016479492)
Route Type: International
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