About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Pendik, Istanbul. Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery at departure (Mount Rainier and Cascades), while the landing approach offers reasonable views on either side. The takeoff experience is significantly more visually rewarding, making right the overall choice.
What can I see during takeoff from Boeing Fld King Co International in Seattle?
During takeoff from Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Cascade Range and Mount Rainier during the initial climb-out eastward from Seattle. The aircraft departs to the east over the Puget Sound region, making the right side the optimal viewing position for these dramatic volcanic peaks. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier (14,410 ft, ~50 miles southeast), Cascade Range spine, Lake Washington, Puget Sound shoreline.
What can I see when landing at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport in Pendik, Istanbul?
When landing at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the approach to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen. The aircraft descends from the northwest over the Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus region, with the left side offering views of the water body, the Asian coastline, and the city's eastern districts before landing on the Asian side. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus Strait (northern section), Asian Istanbul urban sprawl, Pendik waterfront.
How long is the flight from Seattle to Pendik, Istanbul?
The flight from Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) takes Approximately 11-12 hours (non-stop).
What does the Seattle to Pendik, Istanbul flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic, passing over or near Greenland's ice sheet (southern portions visible on clear days), then over the Norwegian Sea and Scandinavia. Over Europe, the route crosses the North Sea, then proceeds southeast over Germany, Poland, and the Balkans. The Carpathian Mountains, Danube River valley, and Black Sea region appear in the final approach phase toward Istanbul. No single midpoint offers the dramatic scenery of the departure or arrival regions.