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PER → XCH
Which side of the plane to sit from Perth International Airport (Perth) to Christmas Island Airport (Christmas Island)?
Left Side of the Plane
The Left Side is generally preferred for the approach into Christmas Island, providing the best views of Flying Fish Cove and the island's dramatic limestone cliffs during the descent.
Rottnest Island
Clear views of the iconic island and its salt lakes shortly after departing Perth and heading over the coast.
Indian Ocean Abyss
The striking transition from the turquoise waters of the continental shelf to the deep indigo of the open ocean.
Flying Fish Cove
The main settlement and harbor area of Christmas Island, often visible as the plane banks for its final approach.
Limestone Terraces
Dramatic views of the island's unique tiered cliffs and the lush National Park forest meeting the sea.
Sit on the left for morning flights to keep the sun behind you. This side offers the most iconic 'arrival' view of the island's settlement. During the long mid-flight stretch, keep an eye out for passing cargo ships on the busy trade routes below.
Perth CBD & Swan River
Excellent views of the city skyline, Kings Park, and the winding Swan River immediately after takeoff from PER.
WA Coastline
Depending on the flight path, you may see the rugged Gascoyne coastline or distant views of Shark Bay's red dunes.
Ocean Horizon
On afternoon flights, this side provides spectacular views of the sun setting over the Indian Ocean.
The Plateau
Views of the island's interior phosphate mining areas and the dense rainforest canopy during the final descent.
The right side is ideal for afternoon departures to catch the sunset, though glare can be intense. It typically offers better views of the Australian mainland during the first 45 minutes of the journey before the flight tracks further out to sea.
Distance: 2,613 km (1,624 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 29 min
Departure: PER (-31.94029998779297, 115.96700286865234)
Arrival: XCH (-10.450599670410156, 105.69000244140624)
Route Type: International
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