The left side wins at takeoff for the Boston cityscape, but the right side delivers the far more dramatic payoff on arrival — the volcanic calderas of São Miguel are among the most visually striking landforms visible from any commercial approach in the Atlantic. If you can only pick one side, right gives you the Azores.
Flown BOS to PDL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Boston to Ponta Delgada is 2,389 miles (3,845 km), a flight of about 5 hours 45 minutes.
The route crosses the North Atlantic almost entirely over open ocean. The Grand Banks of Newfoundland may be visible in the first hour if the route tracks slightly north. Around the midpoint near 45°W, there is nothing but open Atlantic. As the Azores approach, the islands of Flores and Corvo (the westernmost Azores) may be faintly visible to the south if routing passes nearby, though the main island group of Faial, Pico, and São Jorge with their volcanic peaks — particularly Pico's 2,351m summit — can sometimes be seen to the north before descent into PDL.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BOS
LEFTLogan's primary eastbound departures on Runway 33L/R or 22R send the aircraft over Boston Harbor and then northeast over the Atlantic. Left side passengers get a clear view back over downtown Boston, the Charles River, and Cambridge as the plane climbs and turns. The city grid, the harbor islands, and the Back Bay skyline are all distinctly visible on the left.
Landing at PDL
RIGHTFlights into PDL typically approach from the east or northeast and land on Runway 30, heading northwest. On this approach, the right side faces south toward the volcanic interior of São Miguel — the Sete Cidades twin crater lakes and the Fogo crater lake are on the western end of the island and are unmistakable from altitude. The dramatic green calderas and the Atlantic coastline are far more scenic than the open ocean on the left.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS) to Ponta Delgada (PDL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Boston to Ponta Delgada. The left side wins at takeoff for the Boston cityscape, but the right side delivers the far more dramatic payoff on arrival — the volcanic calderas of São Miguel are among the most visually striking landforms visible from any commercial approach in the Atlantic. If you can only pick one side, right gives you the Azores.
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 Left side for the best views. Logan's primary eastbound departures on Runway 33L/R or 22R send the aircraft over Boston Harbor and then northeast over the Atlantic. Left side passengers get a clear view back over downtown Boston, the Charles River, and Cambridge as the plane climbs and turns. The city grid, the harbor islands, and the Back Bay skyline are all distinctly visible on the left. Notable sights include: Downtown Boston skyline and Back Bay, Boston Harbor and Harbor Islands, Charles River and Cambridge, Logan Airport itself receding below.
What can I see when landing at Ponta Delgada in Ponta Delgada?
When landing at Ponta Delgada (PDL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Flights into PDL typically approach from the east or northeast and land on Runway 30, heading northwest. On this approach, the right side faces south toward the volcanic interior of São Miguel — the Sete Cidades twin crater lakes and the Fogo crater lake are on the western end of the island and are unmistakable from altitude. The dramatic green calderas and the Atlantic coastline are far more scenic than the open ocean on the left. Notable sights include: Sete Cidades twin crater lakes (blue and green), Lagoa do Fogo volcanic crater lake, São Miguel's rugged volcanic ridgeline, Ponta Delgada city and harbor.
How long is the flight from Boston to Ponta Delgada?
The flight from General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS) to Ponta Delgada (PDL) takes about 5 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,389 miles (3,845 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Boston to Ponta Delgada flight path pass over?
The route crosses the North Atlantic almost entirely over open ocean. The Grand Banks of Newfoundland may be visible in the first hour if the route tracks slightly north. Around the midpoint near 45°W, there is nothing but open Atlantic. As the Azores approach, the islands of Flores and Corvo (the westernmost Azores) may be faintly visible to the south if routing passes nearby, though the main island group of Faial, Pico, and São Jorge with their volcanic peaks — particularly Pico's 2,351m summit — can sometimes be seen to the north before descent into PDL.