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JNB β PER
Which side of the plane to sit from OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg) to Perth International Airport (Perth)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side (Window A) provides the most diverse views, starting with the South African coastline and culminating in a spectacular approach over the Western Australian turquoise coast and Rottnest Island.
Gauteng Highveld
Aerial views of Johannesburg's urban sprawl and the historic gold mine tailings as you climb to cruising altitude.
Durban Coastline
Clear views of the KwaZulu-Natal coast and the transition from the lush green hills of South Africa to the Indian Ocean.
Madagascar Distant Views
Depending on the specific airway used, the southern tip of Madagascar can sometimes be spotted as a faint silhouette on the horizon.
Northern Horizon
As you are flying east in the Southern Hemisphere, the northern sky offers a beautiful progression of light throughout the day.
Shark Bay & Ningaloo
If the flight path enters Australian airspace from the northwest, you may see the stunning blue waters of the World Heritage-listed WA coastline.
Rottnest Island
A prime view of Perth's favorite island getaway and its surrounding coral reefs during the final descent into PER.
Book a window seat on the left for the approach into Perth, which usually occurs during the daytime on the outbound JNB-PER leg. This side avoids the direct glare of the sun for much of the flight and offers the best chance of seeing land at both the start and end of the journey.
Drakensberg Mountains
Spectacular views of the northern Drakensberg range shortly after departing Johannesburg if the weather is clear.
Southern Cross
Zero light pollution over the vast Southern Indian Ocean makes this the perfect side for viewing the Milky Way and Southern Cross at night.
Aurora Australis
On winter flights following a high-latitude 'Great Circle' route, the Southern Lights may be visible on the southern horizon.
Darling Scarp
The ancient granite hills of the Darling Range are visible to the south during the final approach into Perth airport.
The right side is best for astronomy enthusiasts. On night flights, you have an unobstructed view of the southern celestial pole. If the pilot takes a very southerly route to catch tailwinds, keep your eyes on the horizon for the green glow of the Aurora Australis, especially between June and August.
Distance: 8,310 km (5,164 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 9 hrs 47 min
Departure: JNB (-26.1392, 28.246)
Arrival: PER (-31.94029998779297, 115.96700286865234)
Route Type: International
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