Both sides score equally for the full flight due to the short duration (1h 15m) and relatively flat terrain with limited dramatic features. However, the right side edges ahead because the landing approach to POA offers superior scenery—the Lagoa dos Patos and Guaíba River estuary are genuinely distinctive water features visible during descent, whereas the takeoff from CGH is comparable on both sides. Right-side passengers experience the more memorable final segment.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the interior plateau of southern Brazil, passing over the states of São Paulo and Paraná. Notable features include the Paraná Plateau's gently rolling terrain, scattered agricultural areas and small towns, and the transition zone between the Atlantic Forest remnants and grassland ecosystems. The Tietê River valley may be visible during the cruise phase if flying at lower altitudes. No major mountain ranges or dramatic geological features interrupt the route; the landscape is predominantly agricultural and forested plateau with gradual elevation changes. The approach to Porto Alegre descends toward the coastal plain and the Lagoa dos Patos system, marking the transition from interior plateau to the southern coastal region.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from CGH
LEFTDepartures from CGH typically use runway 17 heading south, which routes aircraft over the Pinheiros River corridor and São Paulo's southern residential and industrial zones. Left-side passengers see the river valley and urban sprawl immediately after liftoff. Right-side passengers see similar urban terrain but less distinctive water features during the initial climb.
Landing at POA
RIGHTApproach to POA typically descends from the north or northeast depending on wind. Right-side passengers on descent toward runway 11 (easterly landing) see the Guaíba River estuary, Lagoa dos Patos (South America's largest lagoon), and the Porto Alegre waterfront. Left-side passengers see inland terrain with less dramatic water features. The lagoon and river system are the most visually distinctive elements of the approach.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Congonhas (CGH) to Salgado Filho (POA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sao Paulo to Porto Alegre. Both sides score equally for the full flight due to the short duration (1h 15m) and relatively flat terrain with limited dramatic features. However, the right side edges ahead because the landing approach to POA offers superior scenery—the Lagoa dos Patos and Guaíba River estuary are genuinely distinctive water features visible during descent, whereas the takeoff from CGH is comparable on both sides. Right-side passengers experience the more memorable final segment.
What can I see during takeoff from Congonhas in Sao Paulo?
During takeoff from Congonhas (CGH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departures from CGH typically use runway 17 heading south, which routes aircraft over the Pinheiros River corridor and São Paulo's southern residential and industrial zones. Left-side passengers see the river valley and urban sprawl immediately after liftoff. Right-side passengers see similar urban terrain but less distinctive water features during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Pinheiros River valley, São Paulo southern suburbs, Imigrantes Highway corridor, Guarapiranga Reservoir (visible during climb-out to the southwest).
What can I see when landing at Salgado Filho in Porto Alegre?
When landing at Salgado Filho (POA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Approach to POA typically descends from the north or northeast depending on wind. Right-side passengers on descent toward runway 11 (easterly landing) see the Guaíba River estuary, Lagoa dos Patos (South America's largest lagoon), and the Porto Alegre waterfront. Left-side passengers see inland terrain with less dramatic water features. The lagoon and river system are the most visually distinctive elements of the approach. Notable sights include: Lagoa dos Patos (massive lagoon system), Guaíba River estuary, Porto Alegre city waterfront, Lami district and southern suburbs.
How long is the flight from Sao Paulo to Porto Alegre?
The flight from Congonhas (CGH) to Salgado Filho (POA) takes 1h 15m.
What does the Sao Paulo to Porto Alegre flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the interior plateau of southern Brazil, passing over the states of São Paulo and Paraná. Notable features include the Paraná Plateau's gently rolling terrain, scattered agricultural areas and small towns, and the transition zone between the Atlantic Forest remnants and grassland ecosystems. The Tietê River valley may be visible during the cruise phase if flying at lower altitudes. No major mountain ranges or dramatic geological features interrupt the route; the landscape is predominantly agricultural and forested plateau with gradual elevation changes. The approach to Porto Alegre descends toward the coastal plain and the Lagoa dos Patos system, marking the transition from interior plateau to the southern coastal region.