Left side scores higher due to the dramatic White Mountains and Cretan coastline during takeoff, which provide genuine alpine-coastal scenery comparable to established scenic routes. While Istanbul's landing offers urban interest, the Chania departure with immediate mountain drama and the Aegean backdrop creates more memorable visual variety across the full flight. The route crosses the Aegean with scattered islands visible at cruise altitude, favoring the left side's exposure to this geography.
Flight Path
Aegean Sea with scattered Cycladic islands (Naxos, Paros, Antiparos visible on clear days), Turkish Aegean coast near Izmir region, transition from Greek to Turkish airspace over open water
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CHQ
LEFTLeft side captures Chania's harbor and the dramatic White Mountains (Lefka Ori) immediately after departure. The coastline and mountain backdrop create immediate visual interest during climb-out.
Landing at SAW
RIGHTRight side offers the approach into Istanbul's Asian side with views of the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus strait, and the city's sprawling urban landscape. The water features and dense cityscape provide more visual variety during descent.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Souda (CHQ) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chania to Pendik, Istanbul. Left side scores higher due to the dramatic White Mountains and Cretan coastline during takeoff, which provide genuine alpine-coastal scenery comparable to established scenic routes. While Istanbul's landing offers urban interest, the Chania departure with immediate mountain drama and the Aegean backdrop creates more memorable visual variety across the full flight. The route crosses the Aegean with scattered islands visible at cruise altitude, favoring the left side's exposure to this geography.
What can I see during takeoff from Souda in Chania?
During takeoff from Souda (CHQ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side captures Chania's harbor and the dramatic White Mountains (Lefka Ori) immediately after departure. The coastline and mountain backdrop create immediate visual interest during climb-out. Notable sights include: Chania harbor with Venetian fortifications, White Mountains (Lefka Ori) rising to 2,453m, Cretan coastline, Aegean Sea.
What can I see when landing at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport in Pendik, Istanbul?
When landing at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers the approach into Istanbul's Asian side with views of the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus strait, and the city's sprawling urban landscape. The water features and dense cityscape provide more visual variety during descent. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus strait, Istanbul's Asian shore development, Pendik waterfront.
How long is the flight from Chania to Pendik, Istanbul?
The flight from Souda (CHQ) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) takes 1h 15m.
What does the Chania to Pendik, Istanbul flight path pass over?
Aegean Sea with scattered Cycladic islands (Naxos, Paros, Antiparos visible on clear days), Turkish Aegean coast near Izmir region, transition from Greek to Turkish airspace over open water