Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Bucharest to Istanbul. While the right side wins at takeoff for Bucharest city views, the left side delivers the more spectacular payoff on arrival with the full panorama of Istanbul, the Bosphorus, and the Sea of Marmara. During the cruise the left side also tracks closer to the Bulgarian highlands and the Thracian coastline approaching Turkey.

During takeoff from Baneasa (BBU), sit on the Right side for the best views. Baneasa typically departs on runway 07 heading east, which puts the right side facing south toward Bucharest city center. You get a clear view of the urban sprawl of Bucharest and the Dambovita River threading through it as you climb out. Notable sights include: Bucharest city center to the south, Dambovita River winding through the city, Herastrau Park and its lake just south of the airport, Snagov Lake to the north visible on left side.

When landing at Ataturk (IST), sit on the Left side for the best views. Ataturk Airport's primary landing runway 06 approaches from the west over the Sea of Marmara, putting the left side facing south toward the Marmara water and the right facing north over the European suburbs. Left side gives you the dramatic view of the Bosphorus strait, the old city peninsula with its skyline, and the Asian side of Istanbul across the water. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara on approach, Bosphorus strait and its bridges, Old Istanbul peninsula with Sultanahmet skyline, Asian shore of Istanbul (Kadikoy and Uskudar districts).

The flight from Baneasa (BBU) to Ataturk (IST) takes Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.

The route crosses southern Romania over the Wallachian Plain, then enters Bulgaria crossing the Balkan Mountains (Stara Planina range) which are visible as a distinct east-west ridge. The flight then crosses the Bulgarian Thracian Plain before entering Turkish Thrace, a flat agricultural region. The Sea of Marmara comes into view on descent as the route approaches Istanbul from the northwest.