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BRS → AMS
Which side of the plane to sit from Bristol Airport (Bristol) to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (Amsterdam)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides the most iconic views, including a clear look at Bristol's landmarks after takeoff and the best possibility of seeing the Amsterdam canal ring and IJsselmeer during the descent.
Bristol & Clifton
Aerial view of the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the historic floating harbor shortly after departure.
The Cotswolds
Flight path often crosses the southern edge of these Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty rolling hills.
Cambridge & East Anglia
Panoramic views of the flat, patterned agricultural landscapes of Eastern England and distant university spires.
North Sea Crossing
A short transit over the busy shipping lanes of the North Sea before reaching the European mainland.
Dutch Dunes
The dramatic transition from the sea to the sandy beaches and protective dunes of North Holland.
Amsterdam City Center
On many approach paths, you get a spectacular view of the UNESCO-listed concentric canal rings.
Book a seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat haze. For the best photography of Amsterdam's canals, morning flights are ideal as the sun will be behind you. If landing on the 'Polderbaan' runway, the left side offers a unique view of the airport's rural surroundings during the long taxi.
Mendip Hills
Immediate views of the limestone ridges and the Chew Valley Lake reservoir south of Bristol.
London Skyline
On clear days, the distant skyscrapers of the City of London and Canary Wharf are visible to the south.
Thames Estuary
Watch the River Thames widen into the sea, filled with cargo ships and tankers.
Offshore Wind Farms
Excellent views of massive renewable energy arrays like the London Array in the outer Thames Estuary.
Port of Rotterdam
If the flight path is southerly, the massive industrial cranes and ships of Europoort come into view.
Dutch Polders
The perfectly geometric green fields and intricate drainage canals characteristic of the Netherlands.
The right side is excellent for sunset flights, as you will see the sun dipping below the North Sea horizon. Keep an eye out for the distinctive white wind turbines during the sea crossing. During winter months, the low sun angle can create high-contrast views of the polder landscapes.
Distance: 524 km (326 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 52 min
Departure: BRS (51.382702, -2.71909)
Arrival: AMS (52.308601, 4.76389)
Route Type: International
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