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WMI destination photo

SNNWMI

Which side of the plane to sit from Shannon Airport (Shannon) to Modlin Airport (Warsaw)?

Our Recommendation
7.8

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior view of the Irish coastline upon departure, the rugged terrain of Northern England, the unique Frisian Islands chain, and a more comfortable lighting angle for photography when flying eastbound.

Left Side Highlights
7.8
🌊

Shannon Estuary

Aerial views of the largest estuary in Ireland as the aircraft climbs away from SNN.

⛰️

Peak District

The rolling hills and dales of the UK's first national park are visible across Northern England.

🏖️

Frisian Islands

A stunning chain of sandy islands along the Dutch and German coasts separated by the Wadden Sea.

🌬️

North Sea Wind Farms

Massive offshore renewable energy arrays appearing as white dots against the deep blue water.

🛶

Vistula River

The winding path of Poland's longest river as the flight descends toward Modlin.

Choose the left side to avoid direct sunlight and glare, which typically hits the right side during eastbound flights. This side is particularly spectacular during clear weather over the German coast where the Wadden Sea tides create intricate patterns. Watch for the city of Hamburg on the horizon roughly halfway through the flight.

Right Side Highlights
7.1
🏔️

Snowdonia (Eryri)

The dramatic peaks of North Wales, including Snowdon, often visible shortly after crossing the Irish Sea.

🏙️

The Midlands

A bird's eye view of the dense urban sprawl encompassing Birmingham and surrounding cities.

🏢

Berlin Skyline

On many flight paths, the Fernsehturm and the dense layout of the German capital are visible to the south.

🚜

Polish Plains

A mosaic of agricultural fields that define the landscape of the Masovian Voivodeship.

🏰

Modlin Fortress

The massive 19th-century defensive complex located at the confluence of the Vistula and Narew rivers near the airport.

The right side is excellent for spotting large European cities like Berlin or Poznan depending on the specific ATC routing. Note that during midday flights, the sun will be on this side, making it quite bright. Keep your window shade down periodically to avoid heat, but have it up for the final approach to see the historic Modlin Fortress.

Top Activities in Warsaw
Route Information

Distance: 1,985 km (1,233 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 39 min

Departure: SNN (52.702, -8.92482)

Arrival: WMI (52.451099, 20.6518)

Route Type: International

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