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FRA → PDL
Which side of the plane to sit from Frankfurt am Main Airport (Frankfurt) to João Paulo II Airport (Ponta Delgada)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior perspective of the Portuguese coast and the lush southern coastline of São Miguel during the final approach into Ponta Delgada, featuring the iconic volcanic islet of Vila Franca do Campo.
Frankfurt Skyline
Aerial view of the Main river and the 'Mainhattan' skyscraper district shortly after takeoff.
Loire Valley
Glimpses of the winding river and historic French countryside as you transit central France.
Picos de Europa
Distant views of the jagged Cantabrian Mountains in Northern Spain depending on the flight corridor.
Ilhéu de Vila Franca
A stunning, perfectly circular volcanic crater islet just off the coast during the final descent.
Southern São Miguel
Sweeping views of the green cliffs, terraced fields, and coastal towns like Lagoa before landing.
Sit on the left for the best sunlight management on morning flights to avoid direct glare. During the descent into PDL, keep your camera ready for the iconic Vila Franca islet about 10-15 minutes before landing. On evening flights, the left side catches the warm golden hour glow over the Atlantic.
Taunus Mountains
Views of the rolling forested hills north of Frankfurt and the Rhine-Main region during initial climb.
Brittany Coastline
The rugged western tip of France where the rocky shoreline meets the deep blue Atlantic Ocean.
Bay of Biscay
Expansive views of the vast maritime corridor between France and Spain, often dotted with cargo ships.
Atlantic Horizon
Endless vistas of cloud formations and the deep ocean during the long mid-flight cruise phase.
Sete Cidades
Potential views of the famous twin lakes and massive volcanic craters if the plane loops around the island's west end.
The right side is ideal for avoiding direct sun during afternoon flights, providing a cooler cabin and better visibility for the ocean horizon. It offers a unique view of the northern cliffs of São Miguel if the wind necessitates a westerly approach to the runway.
Distance: 3,032 km (1,884 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 34 min
Departure: FRA (50.033333, 8.570556)
Arrival: PDL (37.7411994934, -25.6979007721)
Route Type: International
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