Both sides score equally for the short 45-minute flight over open ocean with limited terrain variety. However, the right side edges ahead due to the landing approach at Horta offering views of Mount Pico—the Azores' most iconic landmark—visible across the Pico Channel. The harbor approach and volcanic island scenery at landing provide more visual interest than the departure from Flores.
Flown FLW to HOR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Flores to Horta is 145 miles (233 km), a flight of about 45 minutes.
Open Atlantic Ocean between the two islands; no significant landmarks visible at cruise altitude during the 25-mile crossing. The flight path crosses the Pico Channel, though Mount Pico may be visible from either side depending on exact routing and weather.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from FLW
LEFTFlores is a small volcanic island with dramatic cliffs on its northern and western shores. The left (north/northwest) side offers views of the island's rugged terrain, coastal cliffs, and the open Atlantic immediately after departure.
Landing at HOR
RIGHTHorta airport sits on Faial island with Mount Pico visible across the channel to the east. The right (east/southeast) side during approach offers views of Faial's volcanic cone, the harbor at Horta, and potentially Mount Pico on the horizon—the most dramatic landmark in the Azores.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Flores (FLW) to Horta (HOR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Flores to Horta. Both sides score equally for the short 45-minute flight over open ocean with limited terrain variety. However, the right side edges ahead due to the landing approach at Horta offering views of Mount Pico—the Azores' most iconic landmark—visible across the Pico Channel. The harbor approach and volcanic island scenery at landing provide more visual interest than the departure from Flores.
What can I see during takeoff from Flores in Flores?
During takeoff from Flores (FLW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Flores is a small volcanic island with dramatic cliffs on its northern and western shores. The left (north/northwest) side offers views of the island's rugged terrain, coastal cliffs, and the open Atlantic immediately after departure. Notable sights include: Flores volcanic plateau, northern sea cliffs, Atlantic Ocean horizon, small harbor settlement at Flores town.
What can I see when landing at Horta in Horta?
When landing at Horta (HOR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Horta airport sits on Faial island with Mount Pico visible across the channel to the east. The right (east/southeast) side during approach offers views of Faial's volcanic cone, the harbor at Horta, and potentially Mount Pico on the horizon—the most dramatic landmark in the Azores. Notable sights include: Faial island volcanic terrain, Horta harbor and breakwater, Mount Pico across the Pico Channel, Faial's caldera rim.
How long is the flight from Flores to Horta?
The flight from Flores (FLW) to Horta (HOR) takes about 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 145 miles (233 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Flores to Horta flight path pass over?
Open Atlantic Ocean between the two islands; no significant landmarks visible at cruise altitude during the 25-mile crossing. The flight path crosses the Pico Channel, though Mount Pico may be visible from either side depending on exact routing and weather.