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TXL → SAW
Which side of the plane to sit from Berlin-Tegel Airport (Berlin) to Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Istanbul)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the Carpathian Mountains and the dramatic approach into Istanbul, often featuring a stunning panorama of the Bosphorus Strait and the city's European silhouette before landing on the Asian side.
Berlin Urban Sprawl
Aerial views of the Berlin TV Tower and the dense urban layout of Germany's capital shortly after takeoff.
Sudetes Mountains
The rugged border peaks between Poland and Czechia, featuring the Giant Mountains (Karkonosze).
Transylvanian Alps
Deeply forested valleys and jagged limestone peaks of the Southern Carpathians in Romania.
Bucharest
The sprawling layout of the Romanian capital, including the massive Palace of the Parliament.
Black Sea Coastline
The transition from the Bulgarian coastline to the deep blue waters of the Black Sea.
Bosphorus Bridges
Iconic views of the bridges connecting Europe and Asia as the plane descends toward SAW.
Book a window seat on the left for the best chance to see the Bosphorus during the descent. Morning flights are ideal as the sun will be behind you, illuminating the Carpathian peaks and the Istanbul skyline without glare. Watch for the 'Old City' landmarks like the Hagia Sophia just before the final turn toward the runway.
Bohemian Switzerland
Dramatic sandstone rock formations and the winding Elbe River valley near the German-Czech border.
Prague Suburbs
The outskirts of the 'City of a Hundred Spires' and the Vltava River cutting through the landscape.
Pannonian Basin
The vast, golden agricultural plains of Hungary and northern Serbia.
Danube River
The majestic curves of Europe's second-longest river as it winds through the Balkans.
Balkan Mountains
The central mountain range of Bulgaria, often snow-capped in the winter months.
Sea of Marmara
Dozens of cargo ships anchored and waiting to enter the Bosphorus strait near the Asian coast.
The right side is excellent for afternoon flights to avoid the direct southern sun. It offers a great perspective of the Sea of Marmara's maritime traffic during the final approach. Keep an eye out for the Princess Islands (Adalar) south of Istanbul as you descend into SAW.
Distance: 1,773 km (1,102 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 22 min
Departure: TXL (52.5597, 13.2877)
Arrival: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)
Route Type: International
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