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FCO → RIX
Which side of the plane to sit from Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (Rome) to Riga International Airport (Riga)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior perspective of the Italian capital shortly after departure and captures the most dramatic high-altitude peaks of the Austrian Alps and the Vistula River.
Rome & Vatican City
If the flight path turns east after takeoff, the right side gets a panoramic view of the Colosseum and St. Peter's Basilica.
Hohe Tauern Peaks
Fly directly over the highest mountains in Austria, including views of glaciers and the Grossglockner massif.
Warsaw Skyline
As the plane crosses Poland, the right side often provides a clear view of the Vistula River and Warsaw's modern skyscrapers.
Baltic Woodlands
The final 15 minutes of the flight showcase the dense, deep green forests and winding rivers characteristic of southern Latvia.
The right side is ideal for morning departures as the sun illuminates the eastern faces of the Alps. Keep your camera ready about 15-20 minutes after takeoff for potential views of Rome's historic center before the climb over the Apennines.
Tyrrhenian Coastline
Aerial views of the Italian shore and the mouth of the Tiber River immediately after takeoff from FCO.
The Dolomites
Dramatic limestone peaks of the Italian and Austrian Alps visible roughly 45 minutes into the flight.
Prague & Central Bohemia
On clear days, the winding Vltava River and the sprawl of the Czech capital can be seen to the north.
Jurmala & Gulf of Riga
During the final approach, the left side typically looks out over the Baltic coastline and the white sands of Jurmala.
For late afternoon flights, the left side provides spectacular sunset views over the Baltic Sea as you descend into Riga. Avoid seats directly over the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of the Alpine glaciers.
Distance: 1,878 km (1,167 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 30 min
Departure: FCO (41.8002778, 12.2388889)
Arrival: RIX (56.92359924316406, 23.971099853515625)
Route Type: International
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