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SAW → ZRH
Which side of the plane to sit from Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Istanbul) to Zürich Airport (Zurich)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides an unparalleled panorama of the high Alpine peaks and the scenic approach over Lake Zurich, offering more dramatic elevation changes and mountain scenery.
Sea of Marmara
Immediate views of the turquoise waters and the Princes' Islands after takeoff from SAW.
Vitosha Massif
The prominent mountain dome overlooking Sofia, Bulgaria, visible during the mid-flight segment.
Dinaric Alps
Dramatic limestone ridges and rugged karst landscapes stretching across the Balkan region.
The Swiss Alps
Stunning views of the central Alpine chain as the aircraft enters Swiss airspace from the east.
Lake Zurich
A close-up view of the long lake and the city of Zurich during the final descent into ZRH.
This side is optimal for catching the golden hour lighting over the mountains. Sit ahead of the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of the Alpine peaks. On clear days, the Eiger and Jungfrau massifs are often visible in the distance during the cruise phase over Austria.
The Danube River
Follow the winding blue ribbon of the Danube through several Eastern European borders.
Southern Germany
Views of the rolling hills and orderly landscapes of the Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg regions.
Lake Constance
The massive expanse of the Bodensee, where Switzerland meets Germany and Austria.
The Swiss Plateau
A mosaic of green forests and agricultural land typical of Northern Switzerland.
The right side is ideal for views of Lake Constance (Bodensee) during the descent. Choosing this side also helps avoid direct sun glare when flying westbound in the late afternoon, as the sun will be to the south.
Distance: 1,802 km (1,120 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 24 min
Departure: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)
Arrival: ZRH (47.464699, 8.54917)
Route Type: International
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