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JNB → FRA
Which side of the plane to sit from OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg) to Frankfurt am Main Airport (Frankfurt)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is superior for the typical overnight JNB-FRA flight, offering a magnificent sunrise over the Sahara and the most direct views of the central Alpine peaks.
Search flights from JNB to FRA
Lake Kariba
The massive expanse of the world's largest man-made lake on the Zimbabwe-Zambia border.
Tibesti Massif
Ancient volcanic mountains in Chad that provide a striking, lunar-like landscape.
Grand Erg Oriental
Stunning linear sand dunes in the Sahara that glow orange during the early morning sunrise.
Swiss & Italian Alps
The most iconic and rugged peaks of the Alps are best viewed from this side as you enter Europe.
Mainhattan Skyline
A great view of Frankfurt's skyscrapers if the aircraft approaches from the east.
For the standard evening departure from JNB, the right side is essential for witnessing the sunrise over the Saharan dunes around 5:00 AM. This side also offers the best lighting for photographing the snow-capped Alps. Ensure your window shade is open as you cross the Mediterranean to catch the first light hitting the European coastline.
Book Hotels in FrankfurtKalahari Basin
Expansive views of the red sands and scrubland of Botswana shortly after departure.
Congo Rainforest
A vast, dark green expanse of the world's second-largest rainforest visible under moonlight or dusk.
Ahaggar Mountains
Dramatic volcanic peaks and highland plateaus in the heart of the Algerian Sahara.
Mediterranean Transition
The crossing from the North African coast into the maritime beauty of the Mediterranean Sea.
French Alps
Distant views of Western Europe's highest glaciated peaks during the morning approach.
The left side is best for viewing the sunset over the African interior after takeoff. It provides a more shaded cabin during the morning arrival in Germany, which is ideal if you want to sleep longer. Look for the lights of Algiers or Marseille during the night.
Get eSIMs for South Africa
Get eSIMs for GermanyDistance: 8,690 km (5,400 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 10 hrs 13 min
Departure: JNB (-26.1392, 28.246)
Arrival: FRA (50.033333, 8.570556)
Route Type: International
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