The left side wins overall because the great-circle routing carries the flight over southern Greenland's ice sheet and near Iceland's volcanic coastline during cruise, and the same side delivers the dramatic Bosphorus and Istanbul skyline view on final approach, while the right side is dominated by featureless open ocean for most of the flight.
Flown BOS to IST? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Boston to Istanbul is 4,801 miles (7,726 km), a flight of about 9 hours 15 minutes.
Southern Greenland ice sheet, Denmark Strait, Icelandic coastline, and the open North Atlantic between Canada and Northern Europe
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
_in_Istanbul.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from BOS
RIGHTDeparting BOS on the typical northbound noise-abatement track over Boston Harbor, the right-side window faces east and catches the harbor islands, Logan's runway peninsula, and the open Atlantic coastline as the jet banks toward the northeast heading. The left side mostly shows the city rooftops receding quickly.
Landing at IST
LEFTOn approach to IST from the north, arrivals descending onto the south-facing runways pass over the Black Sea coast and swing near the Bosphorus, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of the strait, the city's minaret-dotted skyline, and the Sea of Marmara beyond.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Boston to Istanbul. The left side wins overall because the great-circle routing carries the flight over southern Greenland's ice sheet and near Iceland's volcanic coastline during cruise, and the same side delivers the dramatic Bosphorus and Istanbul skyline view on final approach, while the right side is dominated by featureless open ocean for most of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from General Edward Lawrence Logan International in Boston?
During takeoff from General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing BOS on the typical northbound noise-abatement track over Boston Harbor, the right-side window faces east and catches the harbor islands, Logan's runway peninsula, and the open Atlantic coastline as the jet banks toward the northeast heading. The left side mostly shows the city rooftops receding quickly. Notable sights include: Boston Harbor Islands, Logan Airport peninsula, Downtown Boston skyline, Atlantic coastline.
What can I see when landing at İstanbul Airport in Istanbul?
When landing at İstanbul Airport (IST), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to IST from the north, arrivals descending onto the south-facing runways pass over the Black Sea coast and swing near the Bosphorus, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of the strait, the city's minaret-dotted skyline, and the Sea of Marmara beyond. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul's historic peninsula skyline, Sea of Marmara, Black Sea coastline.
How long is the flight from Boston to Istanbul?
The flight from General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes about 9 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,801 miles (7,726 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Boston to Istanbul flight path pass over?
Southern Greenland ice sheet, Denmark Strait, Icelandic coastline, and the open North Atlantic between Canada and Northern Europe