Right-side seats capture the Apennine Mountains during departure and maintain better views through the central flight path over the Balkans. While left seats excel during Istanbul approach, the departure scenery from Bologna is more visually distinctive.
Flown BLQ to SAW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Bologna to Pendik, Istanbul is 946 miles (1,523 km), a flight of about 2 hours 45 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Balkans, passing over the Dinaric Alps (visible as a mountain range running northwest-southeast through Bosnia, Serbia, and Kosovo), the Danube River valley in Serbia, and the Bulgarian highlands before descending toward the Sea of Marmara. The Adriatic Sea lies to the left (west) during the initial eastbound climb. Major cities visible along the route include Sarajevo and Belgrade in the distance.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BLQ
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Apennine Mountains as the aircraft climbs southeastward from Bologna. The range runs north-south and will be visible off the right wing during the initial climb phase.
Landing at SAW
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of the Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus strait as the aircraft descends toward Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen. The approach path from the northwest brings these water features into clear view on the left side during final descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Bologna (BLQ) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Bologna to Pendik, Istanbul. Right-side seats capture the Apennine Mountains during departure and maintain better views through the central flight path over the Balkans. While left seats excel during Istanbul approach, the departure scenery from Bologna is more visually distinctive.
What can I see during takeoff from Bologna in Bologna?
During takeoff from Bologna (BLQ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Apennine Mountains as the aircraft climbs southeastward from Bologna. The range runs north-south and will be visible off the right wing during the initial climb phase. Notable sights include: Apennine Mountains, Po River Valley (to the north), Adriatic Sea coastline (distant southeast), Bologna city grid.
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 views of the Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus strait as the aircraft descends toward Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen. The approach path from the northwest brings these water features into clear view on the left side during final descent. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus Strait, Asian side of Istanbul (Pendik district), Prince Islands.
How long is the flight from Bologna to Pendik, Istanbul?
The flight from Bologna (BLQ) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) takes about 2 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 946 miles (1,523 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Bologna to Pendik, Istanbul flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Balkans, passing over the Dinaric Alps (visible as a mountain range running northwest-southeast through Bosnia, Serbia, and Kosovo), the Danube River valley in Serbia, and the Bulgarian highlands before descending toward the Sea of Marmara. The Adriatic Sea lies to the left (west) during the initial eastbound climb. Major cities visible along the route include Sarajevo and Belgrade in the distance.