The right side captures the more consistently dramatic scenery: the southern foothills of the Alps and Dinaric ranges near the route's midpoint, the Adriatic coastline, and finally the Sea of Marmara on arrival into Istanbul, compared to the flatter Balkan interior visible from the left.
Flight Path
The route crosses northern Italy near the southern Alps, then continues over the Dinaric Alps and Adriatic coastal region of Croatia and Bosnia before tracking over the Balkan interior toward Bulgaria and into Turkey.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BOD
RIGHTDeparting BOD on runway 23, the aircraft turns onto an easterly heading, putting the Garonne river valley and the patchwork vineyards of the Bordeaux region on the right as the plane climbs toward the southeast before settling on course toward Italy.
Landing at IST
RIGHTOn approach into IST from the west, the right side offers views across the Sea of Marmara, with its scattered islands and the Asian shoreline visible before the final turn onto the north-south runways.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Merignac (BOD) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Bordeaux to Istanbul. The right side captures the more consistently dramatic scenery: the southern foothills of the Alps and Dinaric ranges near the route's midpoint, the Adriatic coastline, and finally the Sea of Marmara on arrival into Istanbul, compared to the flatter Balkan interior visible from the left.
What can I see during takeoff from Merignac in Bordeaux?
During takeoff from Merignac (BOD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing BOD on runway 23, the aircraft turns onto an easterly heading, putting the Garonne river valley and the patchwork vineyards of the Bordeaux region on the right as the plane climbs toward the southeast before settling on course toward Italy. Notable sights include: Garonne River, Bordeaux vineyards, Landes forest edge.
What can I see when landing at İstanbul Airport in Istanbul?
When landing at İstanbul Airport (IST), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into IST from the west, the right side offers views across the Sea of Marmara, with its scattered islands and the Asian shoreline visible before the final turn onto the north-south runways. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Princes' Islands, Asian coastline of Istanbul.
How long is the flight from Bordeaux to Istanbul?
The flight from Merignac (BOD) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes 3h 35m.
What does the Bordeaux to Istanbul flight path pass over?
The route crosses northern Italy near the southern Alps, then continues over the Dinaric Alps and Adriatic coastal region of Croatia and Bosnia before tracking over the Balkan interior toward Bulgaria and into Turkey.