Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Christchurch to Dubai. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. The Southern Alps departure view and the Dubai city approach are both on the left. During the long overwater cruise across the Indian Ocean there is little to differentiate sides, but the bookend views make left the clear overall choice.

During takeoff from Christchurch International (CHC), sit on the Left side for the best views. Christchurch typically departs on runway 02 (northbound) or 20 (southbound). On a northwestbound departure toward Dubai, aircraft commonly use runway 02 and turn left (west/northwest), putting the Southern Alps on the left side. The left window gives a clear view of the Canterbury Plains rising to the Southern Alps, with Banks Peninsula visible behind. Notable sights include: Southern Alps (main divide), Banks Peninsula (volcanic remnant), Canterbury Plains patchwork farmland, Lyttelton Harbour.

When landing at Dubai International (DXB), sit on the Left side for the best views. Dubai International's primary arrival runways are 12L/12R (southeast heading) or 30L/30R (northwest heading). On arrivals from the southeast (coming from the Indian Ocean direction), aircraft approach over the Gulf and the left side faces north toward Dubai city, the Creek, and the downtown skyline including the visible urban grid. The left seat gets the city approach view rather than the desert hinterland to the south. Notable sights include: Dubai Creek and its inlet, Dubai urban grid and downtown district, The Palm Jumeirah (visible as a distinct shape in the Gulf), Persian Gulf coastline.

The flight from Christchurch International (CHC) to Dubai International (DXB) takes Approximately 17-18 hours (operated as a long-haul single or one-stop service).

After leaving New Zealand the route crosses the Tasman Sea briefly, then tracks northwest over the Australian continent (Great Australian Bight coastline, central Australian desert), crosses the Indian Ocean for many hours with no land visible, passes over the Arabian Sea, and descends over the Gulf of Oman and the UAE coast into Dubai. The Australian coastline and the Kimberley or central Australian desert may be briefly visible depending on exact routing altitude and time of day.