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CHQ β AMS
Which side of the plane to sit from Chania International Airport (Chania) to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (Amsterdam)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior visual experience, featuring a dramatic departure over the Cretan coastline, a continuous panorama of the Adriatic's turquoise islands, and a spectacular traverse over the highest peaks of the Austrian and Swiss Alps.
Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa
Immediately after takeoff from Chania, you will see the stunning turquoise waters and white sands of Crete's northwestern tip.
Dalmatian Archipelago
Exquisite views of the Croatian islands, including Hvar, BraΔ, and Vis, set against the deep blue Adriatic Sea.
The High Alps
A breathtaking crossing of the snow-capped peaks of the Austrian and Swiss Alps, offering jagged ridge lines and glacial valleys.
Rhine River Gorge
As you enter Germany, the winding path of the Rhine becomes visible, featuring steep vineyards and ancient hilltop castles.
Zeeland & Dutch Coast
On the descent into Schiphol, you may see the massive Delta Works and the intricate network of dikes and polders.
Book an 'A' seat for the best perspective. This side is particularly advantageous for morning flights as the sun will be on the opposite side, reducing glare. Look out for the Croatian islands approximately 60-80 minutes into the flight. During the winter months, the Alpine peaks are heavily snow-covered, providing a high-contrast view that is a photographer's dream.
Chania Venetian Harbor
A brief but beautiful view of the historic Chania harbor and the Akrotiri peninsula during the initial climb.
Dinaric Alps
The rugged, limestone mountain ranges of Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina stretching toward the horizon.
Lake Constance (Bodensee)
A massive lake where the borders of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland meet, often visible during the mid-flight cruise.
Frankfurt am Main
Views of Germany's 'Mainhattan' skyline and the massive Frankfurt Airport hub during the northern transit.
Markermeer & IJsselmeer
During the final approach into Amsterdam, views of the large inland seas and the famous Dutch 'Afsluitdijk' can be spotted.
An 'F' seat is recommended for this side. Be prepared for direct sunlight during morning and early afternoon flights. The right side is excellent for spotting major German urban centers. On the final approach into AMS, if the wind is from the North (Polderbaan landing), this side often provides a distant view of Amsterdam's city center and canal rings.
Distance: 2,411 km (1,498 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 13 min
Departure: CHQ (35.531700134277344, 24.14970016479492)
Arrival: AMS (52.308601, 4.76389)
Route Type: International
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