About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Barcelona (BCN) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Barcelona to Shanghai. Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery at both ends: Montserrat and Mediterranean on departure, and the Yangtze estuary's massive scale on arrival. The westbound routing also favors right-side views of major geographic features along the flight path.
What can I see during takeoff from Barcelona in Barcelona?
During takeoff from Barcelona (BCN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Mediterranean coastline and the Montserrat massif inland. The aircraft climbs northeast from Barcelona-El Prat, and right-side windows capture the rocky peaks and the coastal curve toward the north. Notable sights include: Mediterranean Sea (immediate coastline), Montserrat mountain range (inland, northwest), Colserola hills (closer to airport), Costa Brava coastline (receding northward).
What can I see when landing at Shanghai Pudong International in Shanghai?
When landing at Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Yangtze River estuary, Hangzhou Bay, and the approach corridor into Shanghai Pudong. The aircraft descends from the northwest, and left windows capture the massive river delta system and the industrial landscape of the Yangtze's mouth. Notable sights include: Yangtze River estuary (dominant feature), Hangzhou Bay (to the south), East China Sea, Shanghai urban sprawl and Pudong skyline.
How long is the flight from Barcelona to Shanghai?
The flight from Barcelona (BCN) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) takes Approximately 13-14 hours.
What does the Barcelona to Shanghai flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Alps (visible on departure, with Mont Blanc and surrounding peaks), the Balkans, the Black Sea region, the Caucasus Mountains, the Caspian Sea, Central Asian deserts (Kara Kum, Kyzyl Kum), the Tian Shan range, and finally descends across the North China Plain toward Shanghai. The Himalayas are typically too far south for this routing, but the Tian Shan's dramatic peaks are visible during the approach to western China. Most of the midpoint flight occurs over sparsely populated terrain with limited landmark visibility due to altitude and distance.