The left side wins overall because the Edmonton arrival view of the North Saskatchewan River valley and downtown skyline is more dramatic and memorable than anything on the right at landing. During the transatlantic cruise, the left side also offers slightly better positioning over southern Greenland's ice sheet and the Canadian Arctic coastline as the great circle route arcs northward, though both sides see these features at altitude.
Flown AMS to YEG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Amsterdam to Edmonton is 4,321 miles (6,954 km), a flight of about 9 hours 30 minutes.
The great circle route from AMS to YEG tracks northwest over the North Sea, across northern Scotland, then out over the North Atlantic. It passes near the southern tip of Greenland where the ice sheet and fjords are visible on clear days. The route then crosses the Davis Strait and enters northern Canada over Baffin Island or Labrador, crossing the vast boreal forest of northern Quebec and Ontario before descending over the Canadian prairies of Saskatchewan and Alberta. The flat prairie grid of fields becomes visible well before Edmonton.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from AMS
RIGHTSchiphol's primary departure runway 36C/36L sends aircraft northward over the polder landscape. The right side gives you a clear view east over Amsterdam's canal ring, the IJ waterway, and the city center before the aircraft turns west toward the North Sea. Left side faces the flat agricultural polders with little of interest.
Landing at YEG
LEFTEdmonton International typically uses runway 30 for westerly arrivals, meaning the aircraft approaches from the east-southeast. The left side faces north toward Edmonton's downtown skyline and the North Saskatchewan River valley, which cuts a dramatic forested ravine through the city. The right side looks south over flat farmland with little to see.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Schiphol (AMS) to Edmonton International (YEG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Amsterdam to Edmonton. The left side wins overall because the Edmonton arrival view of the North Saskatchewan River valley and downtown skyline is more dramatic and memorable than anything on the right at landing. During the transatlantic cruise, the left side also offers slightly better positioning over southern Greenland's ice sheet and the Canadian Arctic coastline as the great circle route arcs northward, though both sides see these features at altitude.
What can I see during takeoff from Schiphol in Amsterdam?
During takeoff from Schiphol (AMS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Schiphol's primary departure runway 36C/36L sends aircraft northward over the polder landscape. The right side gives you a clear view east over Amsterdam's canal ring, the IJ waterway, and the city center before the aircraft turns west toward the North Sea. Left side faces the flat agricultural polders with little of interest. Notable sights include: Amsterdam canal ring and historic center, IJ waterway and Amsterdam Noord, Markermeer lake to the east, Haarlem city to the west (left side only briefly).
What can I see when landing at Edmonton International in Edmonton?
When landing at Edmonton International (YEG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Edmonton International typically uses runway 30 for westerly arrivals, meaning the aircraft approaches from the east-southeast. The left side faces north toward Edmonton's downtown skyline and the North Saskatchewan River valley, which cuts a dramatic forested ravine through the city. The right side looks south over flat farmland with little to see. Notable sights include: Edmonton downtown skyline and the North Saskatchewan River valley, the river's forested ravine system, Leduc and surrounding agricultural patchwork, Nisku industrial area.
How long is the flight from Amsterdam to Edmonton?
The flight from Schiphol (AMS) to Edmonton International (YEG) takes about 9 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,321 miles (6,954 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Amsterdam to Edmonton flight path pass over?
The great circle route from AMS to YEG tracks northwest over the North Sea, across northern Scotland, then out over the North Atlantic. It passes near the southern tip of Greenland where the ice sheet and fjords are visible on clear days. The route then crosses the Davis Strait and enters northern Canada over Baffin Island or Labrador, crossing the vast boreal forest of northern Quebec and Ontario before descending over the Canadian prairies of Saskatchewan and Alberta. The flat prairie grid of fields becomes visible well before Edmonton.