While takeoff from Boston favors the right side, the landing approach into Istanbul on the left side is more visually rewarding. The descent over the Sea of Marmara, Prince Islands, and the Bosphorus provides more dramatic and distinctive scenery than the Boston departure.
Flown BOS to SAW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Boston to Pendik, Istanbul is 4,840 miles (7,790 km), a flight of about 10 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Atlantic, then over the United Kingdom and continental Europe. Notable features include the Irish coastline (if visible during westbound climb), the English Channel, the Alps (visible as a distant mountain range during cruise over central Europe), and the Carpathian Mountains in Romania. Over southeastern Europe, the Danube River valley becomes visible, followed by the Black Sea coast approaching Turkey. The final approach crosses the Sea of Marmara with views of the Bosphorus strait and Istanbul's geography.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BOS
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Atlantic coastline and Boston Harbor during the typical eastbound departure. You'll see the harbor islands, Nahant Peninsula, and the Massachusetts coast receding beneath you as you climb out over the ocean.
Landing at SAW
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Istanbul. You'll see the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus strait, and the Asian side of Istanbul including the Pendik district where Sabiha Gökçen Airport is located. The approach typically comes from the west over the sea.
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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 Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Boston to Pendik, Istanbul. While takeoff from Boston favors the right side, the landing approach into Istanbul on the left side is more visually rewarding. The descent over the Sea of Marmara, Prince Islands, and the Bosphorus provides more dramatic and distinctive scenery than the Boston departure.
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. Right-side seats offer views of the Atlantic coastline and Boston Harbor during the typical eastbound departure. You'll see the harbor islands, Nahant Peninsula, and the Massachusetts coast receding beneath you as you climb out over the ocean. Notable sights include: Boston Harbor and its islands, Nahant Peninsula, Atlantic coastline, Cape Cod (visible at distance during climb).
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 descent into Istanbul. You'll see the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus strait, and the Asian side of Istanbul including the Pendik district where Sabiha Gökçen Airport is located. The approach typically comes from the west over the sea. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus Strait, Asian Istanbul coastline, Prince Islands (visible in the sea).
How long is the flight from Boston to Pendik, Istanbul?
The flight from General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) takes about 10 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,840 miles (7,790 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Boston to Pendik, Istanbul flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic, then over the United Kingdom and continental Europe. Notable features include the Irish coastline (if visible during westbound climb), the English Channel, the Alps (visible as a distant mountain range during cruise over central Europe), and the Carpathian Mountains in Romania. Over southeastern Europe, the Danube River valley becomes visible, followed by the Black Sea coast approaching Turkey. The final approach crosses the Sea of Marmara with views of the Bosphorus strait and Istanbul's geography.