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YVR → SYD
Which side of the plane to sit from Vancouver International Airport (Vancouver) to Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (Sydney)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the Vancouver skyline on departure and is the prime side for spotting the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge during typical northern arrivals into SYD.
Vancouver Skyline
Aerial views of downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park, and the North Shore mountains immediately after takeoff.
The Gulf Islands
A dense archipelago of evergreen-covered islands between the mainland and Vancouver Island.
Pacific Sunrise
Spectacular sunrise views over the open ocean as you approach the Australian continent.
Coral Sea Transitions
Vibrant blue water shifts and potential views of the Great Barrier Reef's southern edges depending on the flight path.
Sydney Harbour
The iconic view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House when landing on Runway 16 or 34 from the north.
Book a window seat on the left side to maximize your chances of seeing the Sydney city center. Since most YVR-SYD flights depart at night, the departure views will be of city lights, but the arrival into Sydney usually happens in the early morning, making the sunrise and harbor views the primary attraction.
Vancouver Island
Expansive views of the rugged Pacific coastline and the Olympic Peninsula to the south.
Equatorial Star Gazing
Exceptional views of the Milky Way and Southern Cross during the long dark stretch over the Pacific.
Fijian Archipelago
Occasional distant views of the volcanic peaks and turquoise lagoons of Fiji or Vanuatu.
NSW Coastline
Scenic views of the New South Wales northern beaches and the Central Coast during descent.
Botany Bay
Close-up views of the historic bay and shipping containers if the flight approaches Sydney from the south.
The right side is ideal for passengers who enjoy watching the wing against the vast Pacific horizon. While you might miss the direct harbor view, you often get a better look at the Australian coastline and the Royal National Park if the aircraft loops around for a southern approach. It is also better for avoiding direct morning sun glare during the final hours of the flight.
Distance: 12,501 km (7,768 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 14 hrs 42 min
Departure: YVR (49.193901061999995, -123.183998108)
Arrival: SYD (-33.94609832763672, 151.177001953125)
Route Type: International
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