With roughly fifteen hours of the flight spent over open Pacific Ocean offering essentially identical, low-value views from either side, the deciding factor is Sydney's approach: the right side captures the iconic harbor, bridge, and skyline sequence, giving it a clear edge over the left side's plain coastal or ocean view during descent.
Flight Path
The majority of the route is spent crossing the open central and South Pacific Ocean, passing well south of Hawaii and north of French Polynesia, with no land visible for many hours before the aircraft crosses the International Date Line and eventually approaches the Australian coast.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from DFW
LEFTDFW departures on the south-flowing runways give a brief glimpse of the Dallas downtown skyline off to the east before the aircraft banks onto its long westward track toward the Pacific. It's a modest urban glimpse over otherwise flat North Texas farmland and suburban grid streets.
Landing at SYD
RIGHTArrivals into Sydney from the Pacific typically make landfall over the Northern Beaches and track south along the coast before turning onto final approach, putting Sydney Harbour, the Harbour Bridge, and the Opera House on the right side of the aircraft. This is one of the most recognizable urban approach sequences in commercial aviation.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Dallas-Fort Worth to Sydney. With roughly fifteen hours of the flight spent over open Pacific Ocean offering essentially identical, low-value views from either side, the deciding factor is Sydney's approach: the right side captures the iconic harbor, bridge, and skyline sequence, giving it a clear edge over the left side's plain coastal or ocean view during descent.
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 Left side for the best views. DFW departures on the south-flowing runways give a brief glimpse of the Dallas downtown skyline off to the east before the aircraft banks onto its long westward track toward the Pacific. It's a modest urban glimpse over otherwise flat North Texas farmland and suburban grid streets. Notable sights include: Downtown Dallas skyline, Trinity River corridor, North Texas farmland grid, suburban sprawl of Fort Worth (distant, right side).
What can I see when landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport in Sydney?
When landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arrivals into Sydney from the Pacific typically make landfall over the Northern Beaches and track south along the coast before turning onto final approach, putting Sydney Harbour, the Harbour Bridge, and the Opera House on the right side of the aircraft. This is one of the most recognizable urban approach sequences in commercial aviation. Notable sights include: Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Sydney CBD skyline, Manly and the Northern Beaches coastline.
How long is the flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Sydney?
The flight from Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) takes 17h 20m.
What does the Dallas-Fort Worth to Sydney flight path pass over?
The majority of the route is spent crossing the open central and South Pacific Ocean, passing well south of Hawaii and north of French Polynesia, with no land visible for many hours before the aircraft crosses the International Date Line and eventually approaches the Australian coast.