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ZRH → SAW
Which side of the plane to sit from Zürich Airport (Zurich) to Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Istanbul)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of the high Swiss and Austrian Alps shortly after takeoff and provides an iconic perspective of the Sea of Marmara and the Princess Islands during the descent into Sabiha Gökçen.
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Central Swiss Alps
Massive glaciers and high-altitude peaks including the Glarus Alps immediately after takeoff.
Dinaric Alps
The dramatic karst topography of the Balkans stretching across Bosnia and Serbia.
Sea of Marmara
Hundreds of cargo ships anchored or moving toward the Bosphorus Strait during descent.
Princess Islands
A perfect aerial view of the archipelago off the coast of Istanbul just before landing.
Asian Istanbul
The dense, vibrant neighborhoods of the Asian side, including Kartal and Pendik.
Choose a seat on the right for the most dramatic mountain views during the first 30 minutes. As you approach SAW, the right side is generally better for seeing the coastline and the islands. In the afternoon, use a window shade to mitigate the southern sun while crossing the Balkans.
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Zürich Suburbs
Clear views of Lake Zurich and the Gold Coast shortly after departure from ZRH.
Austrian Tyrol
The northern slopes of the Alpine range, featuring jagged peaks and deep valleys.
Danube River
Frequent sightings of the Danube as it winds through the Pannonian Basin.
Sofia Skyline
Visuals of the Bulgarian capital situated in a valley between Vitosha and the Balkan Mountains.
Black Sea Coast
Views of the shoreline north of Istanbul if the plane enters via a northern approach.
The left side is excellent for early morning flights to avoid direct sun glare. Look out for the transition from the green Balkan hills to the urban sprawl of northern Istanbul. During winter, the snow-covered peaks of Bulgaria are a major highlight.
Get eSIMs for Switzerland
Get eSIMs for TurkeyDistance: 1,802 km (1,120 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 24 min
Departure: ZRH (47.464699, 8.54917)
Arrival: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)
Route Type: International
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