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LHR destination photo
SAW destination photo

LHRSAW

Our Recommendation
8.7

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior view of the Bosphorus Strait and the historic European side of Istanbul during the final approach to Sabiha Gökçen.

Left Side Highlights
8.7
🎡

London Landmarks

Catch the Thames and the City of London shortly after takeoff if the plane departs towards the east.

🛥️

Rhine Valley

View the industrial heartland and winding river of Western Germany approximately one hour into the flight.

🏔️

Northern Alps

See the northern edge of the mountain range and the lush Alpine foothills of Bavaria and Austria.

🌊

Black Sea Coast

Observe the turquoise coastline where the Balkans meet the Black Sea before the turn into Istanbul.

🌉

Bosphorus Bridges

Spot the massive bridges connecting Europe to Asia during the final 15 minutes of the flight.

🏙️

Istanbul Skyline

View the modern skyscrapers and dense urban sprawl of the European side business districts.

Sit on the left for morning flights to keep the sun behind you and improve photo quality. This side provides the iconic view of the Bosphorus bridges and the Golden Horn during the descent. In winter, look for the snow-capped Balkan Mountains shortly before entering Turkish airspace.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🌊

English Channel

Look down at the busy shipping lanes and the French coastline shortly after crossing the UK border.

🏔️

The High Alps

The best angle for the most dramatic snow-capped Swiss and Austrian mountain peaks mid-route.

🏰

Balkan Interior

Spot the rugged peaks and deep valleys of the Serbian and Bulgarian mountain ranges during the cruise.

🏝️

Princes' Islands

See the beautiful island chain in the Sea of Marmara as you align with the runway for landing.

🚢

Sea of Marmara

Observe the massive container ships waiting to enter the Bosphorus from the southern entrance.

Choose the right side for the most direct views of the Swiss and Austrian Alps roughly 90 minutes into the flight. During the final approach to SAW, you will have a great view of the Princes' Islands. Avoid this side on summer morning flights to minimize harsh sunlight and cabin heat.

Top Activities in Istanbul
Route Information

Distance: 2,551 km (1,585 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 24 min

Departure: LHR (51.4706, -0.461941)

Arrival: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)

Route Type: International

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