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SAW → CRL
Which side of the plane to sit from Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Istanbul) to Brussels South Charleroi Airport (Charleroi)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a stunning sequence of geographical features, from the Marmara Sea islands at takeoff to the distant, majestic silhouettes of the Alps across Central Europe.
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Princes' Islands
Clear views of the nine-island archipelago in the Sea of Marmara shortly after departure from SAW.
Balkan Mountains
The rugged, mountainous spine of Bulgaria visible as the flight crosses into Eastern Europe.
The Danube River
The winding 'Iron Gates' gorge where the Danube cuts through the Carpathian and Balkan mountains.
Austrian Alps
Distant but spectacular snow-capped peaks visible to the south while cruising over Germany and Austria.
Ardennes Forest
Dense, rolling green hills of Southern Belgium as the aircraft descends toward Charleroi.
For the best experience, book a morning flight to have the sun behind you, illuminating the landscape. In winter, the left side is particularly rewarding as the low sun angle highlights the snow-covered ridges of the Alps to the south. Keep your window shade up during the first 15 minutes to spot the Istanbul coastline.
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Bosphorus Strait
The iconic waterway separating Europe and Asia, often visible if the departure path curves north.
Black Sea Coast
The dramatic contrast of the dark blue waters meeting the lush green northern Turkish shoreline.
Budapest
Aerial views of the Hungarian capital and its historic bridges if the flight follows a northerly corridor.
Rhine Valley
The industrial and natural heart of Western Germany, featuring river barges and terraced slopes.
Charleroi Industry
Unique views of the 'Pays Noir' industrial heritage, including historic steel mills and slag heaps.
The right side is perfect for evening flights to catch the sunset over the European continent. If the flight takes off towards the east and circles back, you will get an unparalleled view of the entire Istanbul metropolitan area. Use a flight tracking app to see if you will pass directly over Budapest for a city photo opportunity.
Book Hotels in CharleroiDistance: 2,189 km (1,360 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 55 min
Departure: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)
Arrival: CRL (50.459202000000005, 4.4538199999999994)
Route Type: International
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