While left seats dominate the Auckland departure, right seats offer superior scenery for the majority of this ultra-long flight, particularly during the approach to Amsterdam where the Dutch waterways and polders provide distinctive visual interest. The midpoint crossing over Asia and Europe offers less dramatic landmarks from either side.
Flown AKL to AMS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Auckland to Amsterdam is 11,274 miles (18,144 km), a flight of about 17 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Indian Ocean, then passes over Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, or southern Vietnam depending on routing), continues over the Bay of Bengal or Indian subcontinent, crosses the Middle East (typically Iraq, Syria, or Turkey), and approaches Europe over the Mediterranean or Central Europe before reaching the North Sea and Netherlands. Notable features include the Himalayas (visible from altitude if routed over northern India), the Tigris-Euphrates river system, and the Alps (if southern routing). Most of the 17+ hour flight crosses open ocean or sparsely populated terrain with limited distinctive landmarks.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from AKL
LEFTLeft seats offer views of the Waitakere Ranges and Tasman Sea as the aircraft climbs westward from Auckland. Right seats face inland toward the Hunua Ranges and farmland, which are less visually distinctive.
Landing at AMS
RIGHTRight seats provide views of the Dutch countryside, river systems, and the approach to Amsterdam over the North Sea coast and inland waterways. Left seats face toward the North Sea and offer less distinctive scenery during final descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Auckland International (AKL) to Schiphol (AMS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Auckland to Amsterdam. While left seats dominate the Auckland departure, right seats offer superior scenery for the majority of this ultra-long flight, particularly during the approach to Amsterdam where the Dutch waterways and polders provide distinctive visual interest. The midpoint crossing over Asia and Europe offers less dramatic landmarks from either side.
What can I see during takeoff from Auckland International in Auckland?
During takeoff from Auckland International (AKL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left seats offer views of the Waitakere Ranges and Tasman Sea as the aircraft climbs westward from Auckland. Right seats face inland toward the Hunua Ranges and farmland, which are less visually distinctive. Notable sights include: Waitakere Ranges (forested ridgeline west of Auckland), Tasman Sea (open water), Auckland's isthmus and harbors (Waitemata and Manukau), Rangitoto Island (volcanic cone in Hauraki Gulf).
What can I see when landing at Schiphol in Amsterdam?
When landing at Schiphol (AMS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats provide views of the Dutch countryside, river systems, and the approach to Amsterdam over the North Sea coast and inland waterways. Left seats face toward the North Sea and offer less distinctive scenery during final descent. Notable sights include: North Sea coast and dike systems, Markermeer (large inland lake), IJsselmeer (shallow water body), Rhine-Meuse Delta with its intricate network of waterways and polders.
How long is the flight from Auckland to Amsterdam?
The flight from Auckland International (AKL) to Schiphol (AMS) takes about 17 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 11,274 miles (18,144 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Auckland to Amsterdam flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Indian Ocean, then passes over Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, or southern Vietnam depending on routing), continues over the Bay of Bengal or Indian subcontinent, crosses the Middle East (typically Iraq, Syria, or Turkey), and approaches Europe over the Mediterranean or Central Europe before reaching the North Sea and Netherlands. Notable features include the Himalayas (visible from altitude if routed over northern India), the Tigris-Euphrates river system, and the Alps (if southern routing). Most of the 17+ hour flight crosses open ocean or sparsely populated terrain with limited distinctive landmarks.