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XCH → PER
Which side of the plane to sit from Christmas Island Airport (Christmas Island) to Perth International Airport (Perth)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides offer views of the Indian Ocean, the right side provides a more varied perspective of Western Australia's unique geography, including the arid outback, vibrant salt lakes, and the most iconic views of the Perth city skyline and Darling Scarp during the descent.
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Christmas Island National Park
A top-down view of the island's dense, lush rainforest interior immediately after takeoff.
Shark Bay
The distinct colors and patterns of the World Heritage-listed area, including the Peron Peninsula.
Inland Salt Lakes
Vibrant pink and white crusts of massive salt lakes like Lake Moore in the Mid West region.
Perth Skyline
Dramatic views of the CBD skyscrapers and the winding Swan River during the arrival sequence.
Darling Scarp
The ancient hills to the east of Perth, offering a green contrast to the urban coastal plain.
The right side is the 'land' side of the aircraft. For the best photography of the Australian outback and salt lakes, choose an afternoon flight when the sun is behind the plane, lighting the terrain perfectly. During the approach into Perth, if the plane lands from the north (Runway 21), the right side offers the most panoramic view of the city and the Swan River.
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Flying Fish Cove
Aerial view of Christmas Island's main settlement and the rugged limestone coastline upon departure.
Ningaloo Reef
If the flight path hugs the coast, you can see the white surf breaking against the world's largest fringing reef.
Turquoise Coast
Pristine white sand beaches and crystal clear waters near Jurien Bay and Lancelin.
Rottnest Island
The famous island home of the quokka is often visible to the west during the final approach to Perth.
The left side is ideal for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun as you travel southeast. It offers spectacular views of the sunset over the Indian Ocean for late afternoon departures. Ensure you have a window seat forward of the wing to maximize the view of the coastline during the descent into Perth.
Get eSIMs for Christmas Island
Get eSIMs for AustraliaDistance: 2,613 km (1,624 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 29 min
Departure: XCH (-10.450599670410156, 105.69000244140624)
Arrival: PER (-31.94029998779297, 115.96700286865234)
Route Type: International
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