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PVG → TIJ
Which side of the plane to sit from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (Shanghai) to General Abelardo L. Rodríguez International Airport (Tijuana)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the Japanese archipelago, the rugged Aleutian Islands, and the stunning coastline of the Pacific Northwest and California during the approach.
Jeju Island
Aerial views of Hallasan and the volcanic coastline of South Korea as the flight exits the East China Sea.
Japanese Alps
On a clear day, distant views of Honshu’s snow-capped peaks and the sprawling Tokyo metropolis.
Aleutian Archipelago
Glaciated volcanic peaks stretching across the North Pacific if following a high-latitude Great Circle route.
Pacific Northwest
Dense evergreen forests of British Columbia and Washington state as the flight makes landfall.
San Francisco Bay
A spectacular look at the Golden Gate, Alcatraz, and the dense urban grid of the Bay Area.
Los Angeles Basin
The massive urban sprawl of LA and the distinctive Hollywood Hills visible during the descent south.
Sit on the left for the best chance to see land during the long transpacific crossing. This flight usually departs PVG in the morning, meaning you will experience a short night. Try to stay awake as you approach the North American coast for the best lighting on the mountains. Use a window map to track your progress near the Aleutians; they are often visible even through high-altitude cloud layers.
Infinite Pacific
Deep indigo waters and dramatic cloud formations of the world's largest ocean.
Pacific Sunrise
Vibrant colors reflecting off the water as the flight chases the sun eastward.
Channel Islands
The rugged, uninhabited islands off the coast of Southern California during the final approach.
San Diego Bay
Excellent views of North Island Naval Air Station and the Coronado Bridge just before the border.
Tijuana Border City
The striking visual of the international border fence and the dense hillsides of Tijuana.
The right side is ideal for the final descent into TIJ. As the plane turns to align with the runway, you often get a panoramic view of the San Diego-Tijuana metropolitan area. For sunrise photography, the right side offers direct views as you head east, though glare can be an issue. Seasonal winter flights may encounter clearer skies over the California coast, providing better visibility of the Channel Islands.
Distance: 10,619 km (6,598 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 12 hrs 30 min
Departure: PVG (31.143400192260746, 121.80500030517578)
Arrival: TIJ (32.541099548339844, -116.97000122070312)
Route Type: International
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