The right side wins overall because the cruise phase passes near the eastern edge of the Alps and continues over the Dinaric Alps and Balkan mountain ranges, giving a long stretch of dramatic terrain that outweighs the shorter but still impressive Bosphorus view on landing.
Flown CDG to IST? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Paris to Istanbul is 1,374 miles (2,212 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
Eastern Alps foothills near Austria, Julian Alps along the Slovenia-Italy border, Dinaric Alps over the Balkans, and the Danube river basin crossing Central Europe
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CDG
RIGHTAs the aircraft climbs out of CDG and turns onto its southeast routing toward the Alps, Paris itself lies just south of the departure path, giving right-side passengers a brief but recognizable view of the city skyline before the plains of Champagne take over.
Landing at IST
LEFTOn approach into IST, the flight path typically brings the aircraft in from the west over Thrace before turning south to land, putting the Bosphorus strait, the Sea of Marmara, and Istanbul's dense urban skyline on the left side of the cabin.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Paris to Istanbul. The right side wins overall because the cruise phase passes near the eastern edge of the Alps and continues over the Dinaric Alps and Balkan mountain ranges, giving a long stretch of dramatic terrain that outweighs the shorter but still impressive Bosphorus view on landing.
What can I see during takeoff from Charles De Gaulle in Paris?
During takeoff from Charles De Gaulle (CDG), sit on the Right side for the best views. As the aircraft climbs out of CDG and turns onto its southeast routing toward the Alps, Paris itself lies just south of the departure path, giving right-side passengers a brief but recognizable view of the city skyline before the plains of Champagne take over. Notable sights include: Paris skyline (La Défense, Eiffel Tower area), Marne river valley, Champagne vineyards.
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 into IST, the flight path typically brings the aircraft in from the west over Thrace before turning south to land, putting the Bosphorus strait, the Sea of Marmara, and Istanbul's dense urban skyline on the left side of the cabin. Notable sights include: Bosphorus strait, Sea of Marmara coastline, Istanbul historic peninsula skyline, Black Sea shoreline.
How long is the flight from Paris to Istanbul?
The flight from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,374 miles (2,212 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Paris to Istanbul flight path pass over?
Eastern Alps foothills near Austria, Julian Alps along the Slovenia-Italy border, Dinaric Alps over the Balkans, and the Danube river basin crossing Central Europe