The takeoff from Chania offers more visually distinctive scenery with the dramatic White Mountains and Cretan coastline, which outweighs the landing views of Warsaw's flatter urban approach. Left seats capture the flight's most geographically striking moment.
Flown CHQ to WAW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chania to Warsaw is 1,160 miles (1,867 km), a flight of about 2 hours 55 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Aegean Sea northwestward, passing east of mainland Greece (Thessaly region visible to the left around 1h 30m into flight), then over the Balkans including the Pindus Mountains, continues over Serbia and Hungary with the Danube River visible in the final approach to Polish airspace, and the Carpathian Mountains visible distantly to the southeast during the descent into Warsaw.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from CHQ
LEFTLeft seats offer immediate views of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) rising directly inland from Chania, and the Cretan coastline curving eastward along the north shore. Right seats face the open Aegean Sea with minimal terrain interest during climb-out.
Landing at WAW
RIGHTRight seats provide views of the Vistula River as it approaches Warsaw from the south, and the city's eastern districts spreading across the plain. Left seats face the western suburbs and approach corridor over flat agricultural land with less distinctive features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Souda (CHQ) to Okecie (WAW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chania to Warsaw. The takeoff from Chania offers more visually distinctive scenery with the dramatic White Mountains and Cretan coastline, which outweighs the landing views of Warsaw's flatter urban approach. Left seats capture the flight's most geographically striking moment.
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 seats offer immediate views of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) rising directly inland from Chania, and the Cretan coastline curving eastward along the north shore. Right seats face the open Aegean Sea with minimal terrain interest during climb-out. Notable sights include: White Mountains (Lefka Ori), Chania harbor and old Venetian port, Cretan coastline extending east toward Rethymno, Aegean Sea.
What can I see when landing at Okecie in Warsaw?
When landing at Okecie (WAW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats provide views of the Vistula River as it approaches Warsaw from the south, and the city's eastern districts spreading across the plain. Left seats face the western suburbs and approach corridor over flat agricultural land with less distinctive features. Notable sights include: Vistula River and its meanders through Warsaw, Masovian Plain extending to the horizon, Warsaw city center and eastern districts, Narew River confluence.
How long is the flight from Chania to Warsaw?
The flight from Souda (CHQ) to Okecie (WAW) takes about 2 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,160 miles (1,867 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chania to Warsaw flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Aegean Sea northwestward, passing east of mainland Greece (Thessaly region visible to the left around 1h 30m into flight), then over the Balkans including the Pindus Mountains, continues over Serbia and Hungary with the Danube River visible in the final approach to Polish airspace, and the Carpathian Mountains visible distantly to the southeast during the descent into Warsaw.