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MAN → SOF
Which side of the plane to sit from Manchester Airport (Manchester) to Sofia Airport (Sofia)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft offers superior views of the major European mountain ranges, including the northern edges of the Alps and the dramatic Rila and Pirin massifs upon descent into Sofia.
Greater London
Depending on the departure route, the sprawling skyline of London is often visible to the south.
Austrian & Bavarian Alps
Breathtaking views of the jagged, snow-capped peaks along the southern horizon over Germany and Austria.
Lake Balaton
The distinctive elongated turquoise shape of Central Europe's largest lake in western Hungary.
Balkan Mountains
The rugged Vitosha and Rila mountains dominate the view as the plane descends into the Sofia valley.
The right side is highly recommended for the approach into Sofia, as the airport is nestled between mountain ranges. For the best experience, choose a seat behind the wing to see the peaks of the Alps. Afternoon flights on this side offer dramatic lighting on the mountain faces, though the sun will be on this side of the aircraft for most of the journey, so keep your window shade handy.
English Channel Crossing
Clear views of the Kent coastline and the busy shipping lanes of the world's busiest waterway.
Benelux Urban Centers
Aerial perspectives of Brussels and the dense urban sprawl of the Low Countries.
The Danube River
Tracking the silver ribbon of the Danube as it winds through Central Europe and toward the Bulgarian border.
Carpathian Mountains
Views of the Transylvanian Alps to the north during the final third of the flight.
Sit on the left if you are taking a morning flight to avoid direct glare. This side provides excellent views of the Danube's expansive floodplain and the sprawling city of Bucharest in the distance if the flight path tracks slightly north. Look out for the intricate river patterns near the Hungarian and Serbian borders.
Distance: 2,229 km (1,385 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 58 min
Departure: MAN (53.35369873046875, -2.2749500274658203)
Arrival: SOF (42.69669342041016, 23.411436080932617)
Route Type: International
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