Left seats capture the Ardennes departure scenery and the dramatic Serra da Cantareira arrival, providing the most geographically interesting views bookending this long transatlantic route.
Flown BRU to GRU? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Brussels to Sao Paulo is 5,997 miles (9,651 km), a flight of about 11 hours 15 minutes.
This routing crosses the Atlantic at approximately 45°W. Notable features along the flight path include: the Bay of Biscay and Portuguese coast during initial westbound climb, the Atlantic Ocean for the majority of the flight (no visible landmarks for 7-8 hours), the Azores archipelago potentially visible if passing near 38°N 25°W (though typically routed north of this), the Caribbean islands or northern South American coast during descent into Brazil, and the Brazilian plateau's interior before reaching the São Paulo basin.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BRU
RIGHTBrussels typically departs eastbound (runways 01L/01R or 07L/07R depending on wind). Right-side seats offer views of the Meuse River valley and the industrial corridor toward Liège, while left seats face the flat Flemish plains with less visual interest.
Landing at GRU
LEFTGuarulhos typically lands from the northeast (runways 09L/09R or 03L/03R). Left-side seats during descent offer views of the Serra da Cantareira mountains and the northern São Paulo metropolitan sprawl, while right seats face the southern industrial zones with less dramatic topography.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Brussels Natl (BRU) to Guarulhos (GRU)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Brussels to Sao Paulo. Left seats capture the Ardennes departure scenery and the dramatic Serra da Cantareira arrival, providing the most geographically interesting views bookending this long transatlantic route.
What can I see during takeoff from Brussels Natl in Brussels?
During takeoff from Brussels Natl (BRU), sit on the Right side for the best views. Brussels typically departs eastbound (runways 01L/01R or 07L/07R depending on wind). Right-side seats offer views of the Meuse River valley and the industrial corridor toward Liège, while left seats face the flat Flemish plains with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Meuse River winding southeast, Brussels-Zaventem airport infrastructure receding below, Flemish agricultural plains extending north, distant Ardennes plateau rising on the eastern horizon.
What can I see when landing at Guarulhos in Sao Paulo?
When landing at Guarulhos (GRU), sit on the Left side for the best views. Guarulhos typically lands from the northeast (runways 09L/09R or 03L/03R). Left-side seats during descent offer views of the Serra da Cantareira mountains and the northern São Paulo metropolitan sprawl, while right seats face the southern industrial zones with less dramatic topography. Notable sights include: Serra da Cantareira mountain range (north of approach path), São Paulo metropolitan area sprawl, Tietê River valley, Guarulhos airport complex.
How long is the flight from Brussels to Sao Paulo?
The flight from Brussels Natl (BRU) to Guarulhos (GRU) takes about 11 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,997 miles (9,651 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Brussels to Sao Paulo flight path pass over?
This routing crosses the Atlantic at approximately 45°W. Notable features along the flight path include: the Bay of Biscay and Portuguese coast during initial westbound climb, the Atlantic Ocean for the majority of the flight (no visible landmarks for 7-8 hours), the Azores archipelago potentially visible if passing near 38°N 25°W (though typically routed north of this), the Caribbean islands or northern South American coast during descent into Brazil, and the Brazilian plateau's interior before reaching the São Paulo basin.