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FCO → SAW
Which side of the plane to sit from Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (Rome) to Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Istanbul)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior panoramic experience, especially during the descent into Istanbul. Passengers are treated to views of the Italian coastline, the rugged Albanian Riviera, and a breathtaking approach over the Sea of Marmara, featuring the Princes' Islands and the historic silhouette of the Istanbul peninsula.
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Puglia Coastline
Beautiful views of the 'heel' of Italy, including the port cities of Bari and Brindisi.
Albanian Riviera
Turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs where the mountains meet the Ionian and Adriatic seas.
Mount Olympus
On clear days, the legendary home of the Greek gods may be visible to the south.
Sea of Marmara
The flight path typically aligns over this inland sea, offering views of bustling shipping lanes.
Princes' Islands
A stunning archipelago just off the coast of Istanbul, visible during the final descent.
Istanbul Skyline
Aerial perspective of the historic peninsula, mosques, and the Bosphorus strait if the wind requires a northern approach.
The right side is essential for the iconic Istanbul approach. If landing is from the west, you will see the entire city layout. Sunset flights are particularly magical on this side as the light reflects off the Sea of Marmara. Choose a seat away from the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of the Princes' Islands.
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Central Apennines
Dramatic views of Italy's spine, including the Gran Sasso d'Italia peaks shortly after takeoff.
Adriatic Expanse
A vast blue crossing between the Italian coast and the Balkan Peninsula.
Balkan Mountain Ranges
The snow-capped peaks of the Dinaric Alps and the rugged terrain of North Macedonia and Bulgaria.
Sofia Outskirts
Distant views of the Bulgarian capital nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains.
Black Sea Coast
The meeting point of the Balkan mountains and the Black Sea as the flight nears Turkish airspace.
Sit on the left for early morning flights to avoid direct sunlight and get clearer views of the mountain shadows. In winter, the snow cover on the Balkan ranges is spectacular. Keep an eye out for the Danube River reflecting the light further north.
Get eSIMs for Italy
Get eSIMs for TurkeyDistance: 1,426 km (886 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 54 min
Departure: FCO (41.8002778, 12.2388889)
Arrival: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)
Route Type: International
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