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MAN → HEL
Which side of the plane to sit from Manchester Airport (Manchester) to Helsinki Vantaa Airport (Helsinki)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers the most dramatic views of the Scandinavian archipelago and the Finnish coastline, while also providing the best lighting conditions for photography on eastbound flights.
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The Pennines
Immediately after takeoff, witness the 'backbone of England' with its rugged moorlands and deep reservoirs.
North Sea Turbines
Look down at the Hornsea Project, one of the world's largest offshore wind farms off the Yorkshire coast.
Jutland Peninsula
Aerial views of the northern tip of Denmark where the North Sea meets the Kattegat.
Stockholm Archipelago
Cruising over Sweden, see the spectacular mosaic of nearly 30,000 islands and rocky outcrops near Stockholm.
Finnish Lakelands
As the descent begins, enjoy the iconic landscape of dense evergreen forests and interconnected glacial lakes.
Sit on the left for the best chance to see the Aurora Borealis on evening flights during winter months. As you approach Helsinki, this side typically provides a better view of the intricate coastline of Southwestern Finland. Use a polarized filter for photos to cut through the sea haze.
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Greater Manchester
Catch views of the Etihad and Old Trafford stadiums and the expanding city skyline during the initial climb.
Storebælt Bridge
View the massive Great Belt Fixed Link bridge connecting the Danish islands of Zealand and Funen.
Gotland Island
Spot the medieval town of Visby and the limestone cliffs of Sweden's largest island in the Baltic Sea.
Tallinn Skyline
On clear days, the spires of Tallinn's Old Town are visible across the Gulf of Finland during the final descent.
Suomenlinna
Depending on the runway in use, see the historic sea fortress guarding the entrance to Helsinki harbor.
The right side is ideal for spotting the major Baltic islands like Gotland and Saaremaa. During winter, look for patterns in the sea ice forming in the Gulf of Finland. This side can be quite sunny, so keep your window shade down during the mid-flight cruise to avoid glare.
Book Hotels in HelsinkiDistance: 1,812 km (1,126 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 25 min
Departure: MAN (53.35369873046875, -2.2749500274658203)
Arrival: HEL (60.317199707031, 24.963300704956)
Route Type: International
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