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HEL → ORY
Which side of the plane to sit from Helsinki Vantaa Airport (Helsinki) to Paris-Orly Airport (Paris)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of Helsinki upon departure and the iconic Paris skyline, including the Eiffel Tower, on the final approach into Orly.
Helsinki & Suomenlinna
A clear view of the Finnish capital and the historic sea fortress shortly after departure.
Swedish Coast & Öland
Deep blue Baltic waters with views of the Swedish coastline and the long island of Öland.
Hamburg & Northern Germany
The massive port of Hamburg and the winding Elbe River are often visible on clear days.
Central Paris
Exceptional views of the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur, and the Seine as the plane maneuvers for Orly.
The right side is premier for city views. Request a window seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat haze. During the Orly approach, the right side frequently provides a panoramic sweep of the entire Paris basin and its world-famous landmarks. In summer, the sun will be on this side in the afternoon, so keep the shade down until descent.
Helsinki Archipelago
Lush green islands and rocky outcrops dotting the Gulf of Finland immediately after takeoff.
Baltic Coastline
The sandy shores and forested regions of Latvia and Lithuania visible as the plane moves south.
Berlin Cityscape
On many routes, the sprawling German capital and its surrounding lakes appear to the south.
Champagne Vineyards
The geometric patterns of the famous French vineyards in the Grand Est region before descent.
Sit on the left for softer lighting during late afternoon flights to avoid direct sun glare. Watch for the Finnish islands immediately after takeoff and the patchwork fields of Eastern France during descent. Early morning flights offer a beautiful sunrise over the Baltic States.
Distance: 1,928 km (1,198 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 34 min
Departure: HEL (60.317199707031, 24.963300704956)
Arrival: ORY (48.7233333, 2.3794444)
Route Type: International
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