While takeoff offers Seine River views from the left, the landing approach on the right provides far more dramatic and distinctive scenery: Recife's unique three-river delta system and Atlantic coastline are visually striking and geographically significant. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
Flown CDG to REC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Paris to Recife is 4,552 miles (7,326 km), a flight of about 9 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Bay of Biscay (visible as open Atlantic from 25,000+ feet), then proceeds over the Iberian Peninsula where the Pyrenees may be visible on clear days as a distant ridge to the south. Continuing south over Morocco and Western Sahara, the Atlas Mountains appear as a distant range inland. The flight then crosses the open Atlantic for approximately 4,000 miles with no significant landmarks until approaching the Brazilian coast. The Equator is crossed over open ocean. As the flight approaches Brazil, the Amazon River delta becomes visible as a massive brown plume in the Atlantic, though this is south of the direct flight path to Recife. The northeastern Brazilian coast with its distinctive river systems and coastal formations becomes visible during the final descent phase.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CDG
LEFTLeft seats offer views of the Seine River winding through Paris and the surrounding Île-de-France plains during climb-out. Right seats face inland toward featureless agricultural areas north of CDG.
Landing at REC
RIGHTRight seats provide views of the Atlantic coastline, Recife's distinctive three-river delta system (Capibaribe, Beberibe, and Pina rivers), and the urban waterfront during descent. Left seats face inland over less distinctive terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Guararapes (REC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Paris to Recife. While takeoff offers Seine River views from the left, the landing approach on the right provides far more dramatic and distinctive scenery: Recife's unique three-river delta system and Atlantic coastline are visually striking and geographically significant. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from Charles De Gaulle in Paris?
During takeoff from Charles De Gaulle (CDG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left seats offer views of the Seine River winding through Paris and the surrounding Île-de-France plains during climb-out. Right seats face inland toward featureless agricultural areas north of CDG. Notable sights include: Seine River, Paris city center (visible as urban sprawl to the southwest), Île-de-France agricultural plains, Marne River confluence.
What can I see when landing at Guararapes in Recife?
When landing at Guararapes (REC), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats provide views of the Atlantic coastline, Recife's distinctive three-river delta system (Capibaribe, Beberibe, and Pina rivers), and the urban waterfront during descent. Left seats face inland over less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Recife's three-river delta and urban waterfront, Atlantic Ocean and coastal reef formations, Pina neighborhood and island districts, Guararapes airport runways and surrounding mangrove areas.
How long is the flight from Paris to Recife?
The flight from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Guararapes (REC) takes about 9 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,552 miles (7,326 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Paris to Recife flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Bay of Biscay (visible as open Atlantic from 25,000+ feet), then proceeds over the Iberian Peninsula where the Pyrenees may be visible on clear days as a distant ridge to the south. Continuing south over Morocco and Western Sahara, the Atlas Mountains appear as a distant range inland. The flight then crosses the open Atlantic for approximately 4,000 miles with no significant landmarks until approaching the Brazilian coast. The Equator is crossed over open ocean. As the flight approaches Brazil, the Amazon River delta becomes visible as a massive brown plume in the Atlantic, though this is south of the direct flight path to Recife. The northeastern Brazilian coast with its distinctive river systems and coastal formations becomes visible during the final descent phase.