About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Dallas-fort Worth to Shanghai. While the right side wins at takeoff, the left side delivers the more dramatic and sustained viewing across the Pacific — including the Japanese archipelago during the mid-flight crossing and the spectacular Yangtze delta and Shanghai approach on arrival. The left side also faces north, which on this transpolar-adjacent routing keeps Japan's coastlines and mountain terrain in view.
What can I see during takeoff from Dallas Fort Worth International in Dallas-fort Worth?
During takeoff from Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW), sit on the Right side for the best views. DFW departures heading west or northwest on runways 17L/17R or 18L/18R put the Dallas-Fort Worth metro sprawl and downtown Dallas skyline on the right side during the initial climb and turn northward. The right side also captures Lake Lewisville and Lake Grapevine as the aircraft climbs out. Notable sights include: Downtown Dallas skyline, Lake Lewisville, Lake Grapevine, Fort Worth urban core.
What can I see when landing at Shanghai Pudong International in Shanghai?
When landing at Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Left side for the best views. PVG approaches from the east over the East China Sea, and left-side seats get the view of the Yangtze River mouth and the massive Pudong skyline including the Shanghai Tower cluster as the aircraft descends over the delta. The right side faces south toward open farmland and the less distinctive southern delta. Notable sights include: Yangtze River mouth, Pudong skyline (Shanghai Tower, Oriental Pearl Tower), Chongming Island, East China Sea coastline.
How long is the flight from Dallas-fort Worth to Shanghai?
The flight from Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) takes Approximately 14-15 hours.
What does the Dallas-fort Worth to Shanghai flight path pass over?
The route tracks northwest over the central US plains, then arcs across the Pacific via the North Pacific great circle route passing south of the Aleutian Islands chain, crosses the Japanese archipelago including Honshu with the Japanese Alps visible, then descends over the Yellow Sea and East China Sea toward the Yangtze delta. The Japanese Alps (Hida Mountains) and Mount Fuji area may be visible depending on exact routing and cloud cover over Japan.