Loading map...
SAL → MAD
Which side of the plane to sit from Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport (San Salvador) to Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (Madrid)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is generally superior for this transatlantic crossing, offering better views of the Salvadoran volcanic chain upon departure and a higher probability of seeing the Madrid skyline and the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains during the descent into Spain.
San Vicente Volcano
Shortly after takeoff from SAL, look for the double-peaked Chichontepec volcano rising prominently from the landscape.
The Greater Antilles
Depending on the specific airway, you may catch distant views of the northern coasts of Hispaniola or Puerto Rico before heading into the open Atlantic.
Galician Coastline
As the flight reaches Europe, you'll often cross the rugged, emerald-green 'Rias' of Northwest Spain where the Atlantic meets the continent.
Sierra de Guadarrama
During the descent into Madrid, the left side offers sweeping views of the snow-capped peaks that border the northern Madrid region.
Madrid Skyline
On many approach patterns (specifically for runways 32L/R), the left side provides a clear view of the Cuatro Torres Business Area skyscrapers.
For the departure from El Salvador, a window seat on the left provides the best angle of the inland volcanic range. As this is an overnight flight, the left side (facing North) avoids the harsh direct glare of the sun during the morning arrival in Spain, making it easier to photograph the landscape. If landing to the North, the left side is essential for seeing the city center.
Jaltepeque Estuary
Visible immediately after takeoff, showcasing the complex network of mangroves and canals along the Salvadoran coast.
Atlantic Sunrise
Since the flight travels East, the right side offers a front-row seat to the sunrise over the ocean horizon mid-flight.
Douro River Valley
Upon entering the Iberian Peninsula, look for the deep valleys and winding path of the Douro River as it flows toward Portugal.
The Meseta Central
View the vast, golden high plateau of central Spain, characterized by its unique agricultural patterns and medieval villages.
Terminal 4 Architecture
During taxi and final approach, the right side often gets a great view of the iconic wave-shaped, bamboo-ceilinged T4 at Barajas.
The right side is the 'sunny side' of the aircraft for the duration of the morning arrival; keep your window shade down during the sunrise if you want to sleep. However, for the first 10 minutes of the flight, it offers the best view of the Pacific shoreline. In winter months, the right side may offer views of the Gredos mountains in the distance during the final approach phase.
Distance: 8,666 km (5,385 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 10 hrs 12 min
Departure: SAL (13.4409, -89.055702)
Arrival: MAD (40.471926, -3.56264)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.