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PDL → AMS
Which side of the plane to sit from João Paulo II Airport (Ponta Delgada) to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (Amsterdam)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the dramatic French coastline, the historic beaches of Normandy, and the intricate water management systems of the Dutch Delta during the approach.
Azorean Coastline
View the rugged northern cliffs of São Miguel shortly after takeoff.
Mont-Saint-Michel
Look for the tiny island abbey when crossing the French coast.
Normandy Beaches
See the historic D-Day landing sites stretching along the coast.
English Channel
Observe the world's busiest shipping lanes with numerous cargo vessels.
Zeeland Delta
Incredible views of the Oosterschelde barrier and Dutch islands.
Select a window seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat distortion. For morning flights, the sun is on the right, making the left side perfect for glare-free photography of the French and Dutch coasts. Keep your camera ready about 45 minutes before landing for the Zeeland dikes.
Sete Cidades
If the departure path curves, catch a glimpse of the iconic green and blue twin lakes.
French Countryside
Observe the neat patchwork of agricultural fields across Brittany.
Paris Distant View
On clear days, the urban sprawl of the French capital is visible to the southeast.
Rotterdam Port
View the massive cranes and container ships of Europe's largest port.
Dutch Polders
See the iconic reclaimed land patterns and windmills during the final descent.
The right side is excellent for catching the sunset on evening flights. During the final approach into Schiphol, this side often provides a great overview of the Randstad urban area, including Rotterdam and The Hague. Check for Polderbaan landing notifications, as it affects the view significantly.
Distance: 2,857 km (1,775 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 49 min
Departure: PDL (37.7411994934, -25.6979007721)
Arrival: AMS (52.308601, 4.76389)
Route Type: International
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