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BSL → IST
Which side of the plane to sit from EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg Airport (Mulhouse) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?
Right Side of the Plane
The Right Side is superior for this route as it offers the most dramatic proximity to the high Swiss Alps shortly after takeoff and provides the best chance to see the iconic Bosphorus and Sea of Marmara during the arrival into Istanbul.
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Bernese Oberland
Spectacular, close-up views of the iconic Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks in the Swiss heartland shortly after takeoff.
Central Swiss Lakes
Admire the turquoise waters of Lake Lucerne and Lake Zurich nestled between rising mountain ridges.
Balkan Mountains
Dramatic karst landscapes and the rugged Stara Planina range as the flight transits through Bulgaria.
Sea of Marmara
Spot the busy shipping lanes, oil tankers, and the scenic Princes' Islands south of Istanbul's historic center.
Bosphorus & Istanbul Skyline
The iconic divide between Europe and Asia, marked by modern bridges, minarets, and the Topkapi Palace.
Sit behind the wing for an unobstructed view of the high peaks. For afternoon flights, the sun will be behind the aircraft, perfectly illuminating the Istanbul skyline and the Bosphorus during the southern arrival sequence. In winter, the snow-capped Swiss Alps are particularly breathtaking from this side.
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The Rhine River
Witness the winding blue vein of Europe's historic trade route immediately after departure from the tri-border area.
Lake Constance
View the vast Bodensee where the borders of Germany, Switzerland, and Austria converge in a massive expanse of water.
Austrian Alps
Admire the jagged limestone peaks of the Tyrol and Vorarlberg regions stretching toward the northern horizon.
The Danube River
Track the world's most international river as it flows through the Pannonian Basin and along the Serbian-Bulgarian border.
Black Sea Coast
Glimpse the dark, deep waters and the rugged northern Turkish coastline during the final descent into the airport.
Choose this side for morning flights to keep the sun at your back, preventing glare while photographing the Alps. This side is also excellent for spotting the massive Danube bend near the Serbian border. On a northern approach to IST, you will have a clear view of the Black Sea's vastness.
Get eSIMs for France
Get eSIMs for TurkeyDistance: 1,818 km (1,130 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 25 min
Departure: BSL (47.59, 7.5291667)
Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Route Type: International
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