While landing favors left, the takeoff scenery is more dramatic and sustained. Right-side seats capture Hokkaido's volcanic terrain and mountain ranges during the extended climb phase, which lasts longer than the final approach into Melbourne. The midpoint crossing over the Pacific offers minimal visual interest from either side.
Flown CTS to MEL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Sapporo to Melbourne is 5,562 miles (8,951 km), a flight of about 8 hours 15 minutes.
The flight crosses the Pacific Ocean for approximately 5 hours with no significant landmarks visible. The route passes south of the Kuril Islands and north of the Mariana Trench region. Upon approaching Australian airspace, the Great Dividing Range becomes visible along the eastern coast of Australia during descent, with the Tasman Sea visible to the west. The final approach crosses the volcanic plains of western Victoria before reaching Port Phillip Bay.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from CTS
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Hokkaido's volcanic landscape immediately after departure. The aircraft climbs southwestward, and right-side windows frame the Ishikari Plain and distant volcanic peaks of the Daisetsu and Tokachi ranges along the horizon.
Landing at MEL
LEFTLeft-side seats provide the best views during the final approach into Melbourne. The aircraft descends from the northwest over Port Phillip Bay, and left windows frame the bay's distinctive shape, the Dandenong Ranges to the east, and the Melbourne CBD skyline as the airport lies south of the city.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chitose International Airport (CTS) to Melbourne International (MEL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sapporo to Melbourne. While landing favors left, the takeoff scenery is more dramatic and sustained. Right-side seats capture Hokkaido's volcanic terrain and mountain ranges during the extended climb phase, which lasts longer than the final approach into Melbourne. The midpoint crossing over the Pacific offers minimal visual interest from either side.
What can I see during takeoff from Chitose International Airport in Sapporo?
During takeoff from Chitose International Airport (CTS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of Hokkaido's volcanic landscape immediately after departure. The aircraft climbs southwestward, and right-side windows frame the Ishikari Plain and distant volcanic peaks of the Daisetsu and Tokachi ranges along the horizon. Notable sights include: Ishikari Plain (agricultural flatland directly below), Daisetsu Mountains (distant southwestern horizon), Tokachi Mountains (far southern horizon), Ishikari Bay (western edge of visible terrain).
What can I see when landing at Melbourne International in Melbourne?
When landing at Melbourne International (MEL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide the best views during the final approach into Melbourne. The aircraft descends from the northwest over Port Phillip Bay, and left windows frame the bay's distinctive shape, the Dandenong Ranges to the east, and the Melbourne CBD skyline as the airport lies south of the city. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay (large enclosed water body dominating the view), Dandenong Ranges (forested ridges to the east), Melbourne CBD skyline (visible to the north across the bay), Yarra River delta (where river meets bay).
How long is the flight from Sapporo to Melbourne?
The flight from Chitose International Airport (CTS) to Melbourne International (MEL) takes about 8 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,562 miles (8,951 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Sapporo to Melbourne flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Pacific Ocean for approximately 5 hours with no significant landmarks visible. The route passes south of the Kuril Islands and north of the Mariana Trench region. Upon approaching Australian airspace, the Great Dividing Range becomes visible along the eastern coast of Australia during descent, with the Tasman Sea visible to the west. The final approach crosses the volcanic plains of western Victoria before reaching Port Phillip Bay.