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MAN → MAD
Which side of the plane to sit from Manchester Airport (Manchester) to Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (Madrid)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of the dramatic shift from the lush, rugged Atlantic coasts of Brittany and Northern Spain to the stark, majestic Sierra de Guadarrama mountains just before landing in Madrid.
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Welsh Marches
Distant views of the hills bordering Wales during the initial cruise phase.
Brittany Peninsula
The rugged, rocky coastline of western France jutting into the Atlantic Ocean.
Bay of Biscay
A vast expanse of deep blue water, often showing container ships traversing the Atlantic.
Picos de Europa
The stunning limestone peaks of Northern Spain, often snow-capped in winter and spring.
Sierra de Guadarrama
The final mountain barrier before Madrid, offering dramatic ridgelines and pine forests.
Valdebebas
The massive Real Madrid City training complex is clearly visible on the final descent into MAD.
The right side is unbeatable for sunset flights, as you'll see the sun dip into the Atlantic. Keep your eyes peeled as you cross the Spanish coast; the contrast between the green 'España Verde' and the dry interior is striking. During the descent, you get a great view of the Manzanares reservoir.
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The English Midlands
A patchwork of green fields and historic towns visible shortly after departing Manchester.
Isle of Wight
Depending on the flight path, the diamond-shaped island is often visible as you exit UK airspace.
Loire Valley
Views of France's longest river and the historic region known for its world-famous chateaux.
Gulf of Gascony
The sweeping eastern curve of the Bay of Biscay where the French coast meets Spain.
Madrid Skyline
On a southerly approach, the Cuatro Torres Business Area skyscrapers are visible to the east.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. This side is excellent for seeing the transition from the rolling hills of France to the arid, golden 'Meseta' plateau of central Spain. Look for the city of Bordeaux and the Garonne River mid-flight.
Get eSIMs for United Kingdom
Get eSIMs for SpainDistance: 1,436 km (892 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 55 min
Departure: MAN (53.35369873046875, -2.2749500274658203)
Arrival: MAD (40.471926, -3.56264)
Route Type: International
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