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LGW destination photo
SAW destination photo

LGWSAW

Our Recommendation
8.8

Right Side of the Plane

The right side of the aircraft offers the most dramatic scenery, featuring the heart of the European Alps during the cruise and the iconic islands of the Sea of Marmara during the descent into Istanbul.

Right Side Highlights
8.8
🏔️

The High Alps

Unrivaled views of the snow-capped Swiss and Austrian Alpine peaks during the mid-flight cruise.

⛰️

Balkan Highlands

Rugged limestone mountains and deep river canyons across Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia.

⛴️

Sea of Marmara

A massive maritime traffic jam of tankers and cargo ships waiting to enter the Bosphorus strait.

🏝️

Princes' Islands

The stunning archipelago of nine islands, which are a primary landmark during the descent into SAW.

🕌

Asian Istanbul Skyline

The sprawling urban landscape and modern skyscrapers of the Kadıköy and Kartal districts on approach.

The right side is essential for Alpine photography; try to sit either well forward of or behind the wings for an unobstructed view of the peaks. On arrival, the Princes' Islands are best seen from this side during the standard westward approach pattern. Be aware that afternoon flights will experience significant sun glare on this side.

Left Side Highlights
7.5
🌳

The Garden of England

Vibrant green fields and rolling hills of Kent immediately following takeoff from Gatwick.

🚢

Strait of Dover

Views of the English Channel's narrowest point and the distant white cliffs of the French coastline.

🌲

Central European Forests

Dense woodland regions across Southern Germany and the Czech border depending on the airway.

🌊

The Danube River

Long stretches of Europe's second-longest river as it winds through the Balkan states.

🏙️

Northern Bosphorus

A view of the Third Bridge and the entrance to the Black Sea just before the final turn for landing.

Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid the harsh southern sun. It provides a clearer view of the Bosphorus bridges and the Black Sea coast if the aircraft approaches Sabiha Gökçen from the north.

Top Activities in Istanbul
Route Information

Distance: 2,524 km (1,568 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 22 min

Departure: LGW (51.148102, -0.190278)

Arrival: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)

Route Type: International

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