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VIE β MAN
Which side of the plane to sit from Vienna International Airport (Vienna) to Manchester Airport (Manchester)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior lighting with the sun generally to the south, providing a stunning panoramic view of the distant Austrian Alps and the vast industrial complexes of the Rhine-Ruhr and Rotterdam.
Austrian Alps Silhouette
Distant but clear views of the snow-capped Northern Limestone Alps shortly after takeoff from Vienna.
Frankfurt Skyline
The high-rise financial district of Frankfurt is often visible as the flight traverses central Germany.
Port of Rotterdam
A spectacular bird's-eye view of the Maasvlakte, one of the world's largest and most modern shipping ports.
North Sea Transition
The crossing from the Dutch coast toward the UK, often dotted with massive offshore wind farms.
Cheshire Plain
The final approach reveals the lush, green patchwork of the English countryside south of Manchester.
Sit on the left to avoid the harsh glare of the northern sun if flying during midday. In winter, the low sun angle provides dramatic shadows over the Alpine peaks in the first 20 minutes of the flight. For the best experience, try to book a seat ahead of the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of the Dutch coastline.
The Danube River
Beautiful views of the winding Danube and the Klosterneuburg Abbey immediately after departing Vienna.
Cologne Cathedral
If the flight path takes a northerly route, the twin spires of the KΓΆlner Dom are visible near the Rhine.
Dutch Barrier Islands
Views of the sandy beaches and dunes of the Netherlands' North Sea coast near Amsterdam.
Peak District National Park
Rugged moorlands and dark-peak plateaus visible during the descent into the North of England.
Manchester City Center
Excellent views of the city's modern skyline and iconic football stadiums during the final approach to Runway 23R.
Choose the right side if you are interested in urban photography; the approach into Manchester often banks over the city, offering views of the city center. This side is also better for spotting the winding Danube shortly after takeoff. Be aware that the sun will be facing you for much of a morning flight, which can make photography more difficult.
Distance: 1,443 km (897 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 55 min
Departure: VIE (48.110298156738, 16.569700241089002)
Arrival: MAN (53.35369873046875, -2.2749500274658203)
Route Type: International
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