The right side wins narrowly thanks to a strong departure sequence over Edinburgh's Firth of Forth and bridges, plus the chance of seeing Greenland's southern glaciers and fjord coastline during the mid-Atlantic crossing on clear days, giving it more variety than the largely featureless ocean view on the left during cruise.
Flight Path
North Atlantic Ocean for most of the crossing, with a possible distant view of southern Greenland's icy coastal mountains and fjords on the right side if the route tracks far enough north, before descending over the Labrador Sea and Nova Scotia's Eastern Shore.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from EDI
RIGHTDeparting runway 24 to the southwest, the right side faces north over Edinburgh itself, giving passengers a good look at the Firth of Forth, the Forth Bridges, and the city's Old Town skyline before the coastline fades into haze. The left side only shows the comparatively plain Pentland Hills.
Landing at YHZ
LEFTOn approach to runway 23, the aircraft descends from the northeast and the left side faces south-southeast toward Halifax's Eastern Shore, giving views of the rocky Atlantic coastline, scattered islands, and Halifax Harbour as the plane lines up for landing. The right side mostly shows inland forest and lakes with less visual interest.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Edinburgh (EDI) to Halifax International (YHZ)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Edinburgh to Halifax. The right side wins narrowly thanks to a strong departure sequence over Edinburgh's Firth of Forth and bridges, plus the chance of seeing Greenland's southern glaciers and fjord coastline during the mid-Atlantic crossing on clear days, giving it more variety than the largely featureless ocean view on the left during cruise.
What can I see during takeoff from Edinburgh in Edinburgh?
During takeoff from Edinburgh (EDI), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing runway 24 to the southwest, the right side faces north over Edinburgh itself, giving passengers a good look at the Firth of Forth, the Forth Bridges, and the city's Old Town skyline before the coastline fades into haze. The left side only shows the comparatively plain Pentland Hills. Notable sights include: Firth of Forth, Forth Bridges (rail and road), Edinburgh Old Town and Castle, Pentland Hills (left side, minor).
What can I see when landing at Halifax International in Halifax?
When landing at Halifax International (YHZ), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to runway 23, the aircraft descends from the northeast and the left side faces south-southeast toward Halifax's Eastern Shore, giving views of the rocky Atlantic coastline, scattered islands, and Halifax Harbour as the plane lines up for landing. The right side mostly shows inland forest and lakes with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Halifax Harbour and Halifax/Dartmouth waterfront, Eastern Shore coastal islands, Atlantic coastline inlets, Sackville River valley (minor).
How long is the flight from Edinburgh to Halifax?
The flight from Edinburgh (EDI) to Halifax International (YHZ) takes 6h 50m.
What does the Edinburgh to Halifax flight path pass over?
North Atlantic Ocean for most of the crossing, with a possible distant view of southern Greenland's icy coastal mountains and fjords on the right side if the route tracks far enough north, before descending over the Labrador Sea and Nova Scotia's Eastern Shore.