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JNB → MUC
Which side of the plane to sit from OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg) to Munich Airport (Munich)?
Right Side of the Plane
The Right Side is preferred for the stunning direct sunrise views over the African continent and the Mediterranean Sea, followed by an exceptional perspective of the Eastern Alps during descent into Munich.
Saharan Sunrise
Experience a breathtaking sunrise over the vast, rippling dunes of the Libyan or Egyptian desert as you transition toward the Mediterranean.
The Nile Ribbon
If the flight path trends eastward, look for the thin green life-line of the Nile River cutting through the monochromatic desert landscape.
Adriatic Panoramas
Views of the beautiful Italian or Balkan coastlines as the aircraft crosses into the European mainland.
Bavarian Alps
Detailed, close-up views of the jagged Austrian and Bavarian peaks, including the Zugspitze, during the final descent into Munich.
Book a 'K' seat for the best experience. As this is a northbound night flight, the right side receives direct sunlight at dawn, which can be intense but provides the best photography lighting for the Sahara and the Alps. Keep an eye out approximately 9 hours into the flight for the transition from the African coast to the sea, which is often the most visually striking part of the trip.
Johannesburg Lights
Panoramic views of the Witwatersrand gold reef and the glowing grid of Johannesburg and Pretoria shortly after takeoff.
Tibesti Mountains
In the early morning light, observe the dark, volcanic peaks of the Tibesti range rising from the Saharan sands in Chad.
Tyrrhenian Sea
Vistas of the deep blue Mediterranean waters and potentially the islands of Sardinia or Corsica depending on the specific flight corridor.
Western Alps
A distant but majestic view of the Swiss and French Alps, including the potential to spot Mont Blanc on a clear day.
Since most flights from JNB to MUC are overnight, the left side remains dark for much of the journey but offers a gentler, indirect light during the morning approach into Europe. It is ideal for those who want to avoid the direct glare of the sun while still enjoying the Alpine descent. Use a window shade during the first 6 hours to rest for the dawn views over the Mediterranean.
Distance: 8,444 km (5,247 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 9 hrs 56 min
Departure: JNB (-26.1392, 28.246)
Arrival: MUC (48.353802, 11.7861)
Route Type: International
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