With nearly the entire cruise over open Pacific water on both sides, the deciding factor is the bookend scenery: the right side captures a glimpse of Sydney's skyline on departure and the dramatic Coast Mountains on arrival into Vancouver, giving it a slight but consistent edge over the left side's plainer suburban and valley views.
Flown BWU to YVR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Sydney to Vancouver is 7,774 miles (12,511 km), a flight of about 13 hours 15 minutes.
The cruise track crosses the open South and Central Pacific Ocean with no land visible for many hours, passing well east of Fiji and south of the Hawaiian Islands before making landfall along the British Columbia coast.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BWU
RIGHTDeparting Bankstown on runway 29, the aircraft climbs northwest before curving north toward the Pacific track, giving right-side passengers a brief but genuine view of the Sydney CBD skyline, Harbour Bridge area, and the coastline near Botany Bay as the city falls away. Left-side views are mostly outer suburban sprawl and the distant, hazy line of the Blue Mountains.
Landing at YVR
RIGHTArriving at YVR on the westbound 26 runways, the descent path crosses the Fraser Valley from the east, putting the snow-capped Coast Mountains and North Shore peaks (Grouse, Seymour) on the right side of the aircraft. The left side mainly shows the flatter Fraser Delta farmland and Georgia Strait haze.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Sydney Bankstown (BWU) to Vancouver International (YVR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sydney to Vancouver. With nearly the entire cruise over open Pacific water on both sides, the deciding factor is the bookend scenery: the right side captures a glimpse of Sydney's skyline on departure and the dramatic Coast Mountains on arrival into Vancouver, giving it a slight but consistent edge over the left side's plainer suburban and valley views.
What can I see during takeoff from Sydney Bankstown in Sydney?
During takeoff from Sydney Bankstown (BWU), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Bankstown on runway 29, the aircraft climbs northwest before curving north toward the Pacific track, giving right-side passengers a brief but genuine view of the Sydney CBD skyline, Harbour Bridge area, and the coastline near Botany Bay as the city falls away. Left-side views are mostly outer suburban sprawl and the distant, hazy line of the Blue Mountains. Notable sights include: Sydney CBD skyline, Sydney Harbour, Botany Bay coastline, distant Blue Mountains escarpment.
What can I see when landing at Vancouver International in Vancouver?
When landing at Vancouver International (YVR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arriving at YVR on the westbound 26 runways, the descent path crosses the Fraser Valley from the east, putting the snow-capped Coast Mountains and North Shore peaks (Grouse, Seymour) on the right side of the aircraft. The left side mainly shows the flatter Fraser Delta farmland and Georgia Strait haze. Notable sights include: Coast Mountains, Grouse Mountain and North Shore peaks, Burrard Inlet, Fraser Valley farmland.
How long is the flight from Sydney to Vancouver?
The flight from Sydney Bankstown (BWU) to Vancouver International (YVR) takes about 13 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 7,774 miles (12,511 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Sydney to Vancouver flight path pass over?
The cruise track crosses the open South and Central Pacific Ocean with no land visible for many hours, passing well east of Fiji and south of the Hawaiian Islands before making landfall along the British Columbia coast.