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RIX → SAW
Which side of the plane to sit from Riga International Airport (Riga) to Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Istanbul)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior vantage point for the dramatic Bosphorus crossing and the Black Sea coastline upon arrival, plus a better angle for the Carpathian peaks.
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Gulf of Riga
Aerial views of the Baltic coastline and the mouth of the Daugava River immediately after takeoff.
Southern Carpathians
Dramatic views of the Transylvanian Alps as the flight path crosses central Romania.
Bucharest
The sprawling urban layout of the Romanian capital is often visible to the east during the mid-flight segment.
Black Sea Coast
The transition from the Bulgarian coastline into Turkish airspace offers deep blue water views.
The Bosphorus
A prime view of the bridges connecting Europe and Asia during the final descent into Sabiha Gökçen.
For the most iconic arrival experience, sit on the left to see the Bosphorus bridges. On morning flights, the sun will be behind you, providing excellent lighting for photos of the Romanian mountains and the Turkish coast.
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Masurian Lake District
Thousands of small glacial lakes dotting the landscape of northeastern Poland.
High Tatra Mountains
Rugged, snow-capped peaks forming the natural border between Poland and Slovakia.
The Danube River
The winding silver ribbon of Europe's second-longest river as it snakes through the Balkans.
Sea of Marmara
Views of shipping lanes and the Princes' Islands south of Istanbul during the final approach.
Istanbul Skyline
The dense urban sprawl of the European side and the historic peninsula visible in the distance.
The right side is ideal for sunset flights, offering a spectacular view of the sun dipping into the Sea of Marmara. Keep an eye out for the High Tatras about an hour into the flight for the best mountain photography.
Book Hotels in IstanbulDistance: 1,823 km (1,133 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 26 min
Departure: RIX (56.92359924316406, 23.971099853515625)
Arrival: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)
Route Type: International
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