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JNB → ZRH
Which side of the plane to sit from OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg) to Zürich Airport (Zurich)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides the most iconic views of the Central Swiss Alps and Lake Zurich during the early morning arrival, along with the rising sun over the Mediterranean.
Lake Kariba
One of the world's largest man-made lakes, visible as a massive dark expanse on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Sahara Erg
Starry skies over the world's largest hot desert, occasionally illuminated by the lights of remote oil outposts.
Italian Coastline
Stunning views of the Italian Peninsula and the Tyrrhenian Sea as the flight crosses into European airspace at sunrise.
Swiss Alps Panorama
A breathtaking sweep of the Central Alps, including peaks like the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
Lake Zurich
Picturesque views of the glacial lake and the historic city center just before touching down at Kloten.
The right side is the 'sunrise side' for this northbound journey. Ensure your window shade is open about an hour before landing to witness the sun illuminating the Alpine peaks. If the flight uses the 'Runway 14' approach, you will have a perfect view of Lake Zurich and the Glarus Alps in the distance. Bring a camera with good low-light capabilities for the dawn transition over Italy.
Kalahari Basin
Dusk views of the vast orange-tinted sands of the northern South African interior shortly after takeoff.
Congo Basin
While usually crossed at night, moonlit nights reveal the winding rivers and dense canopy of the world's second-largest rainforest.
Mediterranean Dawn
Early morning light reflecting off the sea between the North African coast and Southern France.
French Alps
Distant views of the Western Alps and the Jura Mountains as the plane begins its descent into Switzerland.
Zurich West
Views of the modern urban developments and industrial architecture of Zurich's western districts on final approach.
Since most JNB-ZRH flights are overnight, the left side is ideal for passengers who prefer to sleep without the glare of the rising sun. Watch for the lights of major African cities like Kinshasa or Algiers during clear nights. During winter months, the descent into ZRH often provides a crisp view of the snow-covered Jura range to the west.
Distance: 8,419 km (5,231 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 9 hrs 54 min
Departure: JNB (-26.1392, 28.246)
Arrival: ZRH (47.464699, 8.54917)
Route Type: International
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