Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth. Right-side seats win overall because the takeoff view of Table Mountain and the Cape Peninsula is more visually distinctive than the landing approach. The mountain is a world-class landmark visible for the first 15 minutes of flight, whereas the landing features (river valley, industrial area) are less dramatic. If you prioritize the landing view, choose left.

During takeoff from Cape Town International (CPT), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Table Mountain massif and the Atlantic coastline as you climb out westward. CPT typically departs runways 01 or 07 depending on wind; either way, the mountain dominates the immediate western and southwestern view during initial climb. Notable sights include: Table Mountain (3,563 ft, directly visible on the right shoulder during climb), Atlantic Ocean coastline with Camps Bay and Clifton beaches, Twelve Apostles ridge line extending south from Table Mountain, False Bay visible further right as you gain altitude.

When landing at Port Elizabeth (PLZ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer views of the Gamtoos River valley and the approach over the Uitenhage industrial area before touchdown. PLZ typically lands on runway 03 or 09; approach from the west gives left-side passengers views of the coastal plain and river system. Notable sights include: Gamtoos River estuary and valley (visible as a linear green corridor), Uitenhage industrial zone with visible factory structures and roads, Algoa Bay coastline to the south, Port Elizabeth harbor and beachfront along the right edge of approach.

The flight from Cape Town International (CPT) to Port Elizabeth (PLZ) takes Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.

The flight path runs roughly east-northeast along the southern Cape coast at 25,000–28,000 feet. Notable features include the Hottentots Holland Mountains receding to the north (left) as you depart, the Breede River valley visible around 20 minutes into flight, and the transition from fynbos-covered mountains to the flatter Garden Route coastal plain. The Mossel Bay area passes to the left around the 40-minute mark. The landscape gradually transitions from mountainous terrain to more open agricultural and coastal plains as you approach Port Elizabeth. No major urban centers are directly on track, but the flight corridor stays within sight of the Indian Ocean to the right for most of the journey.