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MAD → BOD
Which side of the plane to sit from Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (Madrid) to Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (Bordeaux)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior visual experience, featuring the dramatic transition from the high Spanish interior to the rugged Atlantic coastline, culminating in a spectacular view of the Dune du Pilat and Arcachon Bay during the final descent.
Search flights from MAD to BOD
Sierra de Guadarrama
Dramatic granite peaks and pine forests of the Central System immediately north of Madrid.
Old Castile Plateau
The high-altitude plains of the Meseta, showing off the golden landscapes of the Duero river basin.
Bay of Biscay Coast
The transition from the Basque coast to the French 'Silver Coast' with white surf and deep blue water.
Dune du Pilat
Europe's tallest sand dune, appearing as a massive golden ribbon between the forest and the sea.
Bassin d'Arcachon
A stunning turquoise lagoon filled with oyster beds and shifting sandbanks visible during descent.
Book an A seat for the iconic view of the Dune du Pilat, which usually appears about 10-15 minutes before landing. Late afternoon flights are particularly scenic as the sun sets over the Atlantic Ocean, highlighting the coastal topography. Seasonal snow on the Guadarrama mountains makes winter morning flights exceptionally beautiful.
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Somosierra Pass
The rugged mountain gateway used to cross from the Madrid region into the northern plains.
The Pyrenees
Distant but clear views of the high peaks along the Franco-Spanish border to the east.
Landes de Gascogne
The largest maritime pine forest in Europe, appearing as a vast green carpet across southwest France.
Bordeaux Vineyards
The geometric patterns of world-famous wine estates in the Entre-deux-Mers and Médoc regions.
City of Bordeaux
Views of the Garonne river winding through the historic Port of the Moon and the modern Chaban-Delmas bridge.
Choose the right side (F seat) for the best chance to see the Pyrenees on the horizon, especially on clear morning flights when the sun illuminates the eastern slopes. During the landing approach from the north, you will have a better view of the Garonne river and the urban layout of Bordeaux's UNESCO-listed city center.
Book Hotels in BordeauxDistance: 537 km (334 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 54 min
Departure: MAD (40.471926, -3.56264)
Arrival: BOD (44.8283004761, -0.7155560255050001)
Route Type: International
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