The right seat misses the best of the Frankfurt departure but wins decisively on landing with the iconic Montreal Island and St. Lawrence River approach. Across the Atlantic cruise, the right (north) side also offers better views of southern Greenland's ice sheet and Labrador coastline as the great circle route arcs northward. On balance, right side delivers more memorable scenery.
Flown FRA to YUL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Frankfurt to Montreal is 3,638 miles (5,855 km), a flight of about 8 hours 15 minutes.
The great circle route passes over the Netherlands and southern UK coast near London, then tracks northwest over the North Atlantic. Southern tip of Greenland (Kap Farvel area) is visible from the right side with glaciers and fjords. The route then crosses Labrador and Quebec's boreal forest — vast conifer taiga broken by lakes and rivers — before descending into Montreal.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from FRA
LEFTFrankfurt typically departs westbound on runway 25C/25L/25R, so a left (south-facing) seat gives you views over the Main River valley, the Taunus hills, and the Frankfurt skyline receding behind you. Right seats face north toward flat agricultural land with little of interest.
Landing at YUL
RIGHTMontreal's Dorval airport typically receives transatlantic arrivals from the east on runway 24L/24R, meaning a right (north-facing) seat gives views over the St. Lawrence River, Montreal Island, and the city grid including Mount Royal. Left seats face south toward flat suburban sprawl.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Frankfurt Main (FRA) to Montreal International Dorval (YUL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Frankfurt to Montreal. The right seat misses the best of the Frankfurt departure but wins decisively on landing with the iconic Montreal Island and St. Lawrence River approach. Across the Atlantic cruise, the right (north) side also offers better views of southern Greenland's ice sheet and Labrador coastline as the great circle route arcs northward. On balance, right side delivers more memorable scenery.
What can I see during takeoff from Frankfurt Main in Frankfurt?
During takeoff from Frankfurt Main (FRA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Frankfurt typically departs westbound on runway 25C/25L/25R, so a left (south-facing) seat gives you views over the Main River valley, the Taunus hills, and the Frankfurt skyline receding behind you. Right seats face north toward flat agricultural land with little of interest. Notable sights include: Frankfurt city skyline and Main River bend, Taunus hills to the northwest, Rhine River valley visible to the southwest, Wiesbaden and Mainz confluence area.
What can I see when landing at Montreal International Dorval in Montreal?
When landing at Montreal International Dorval (YUL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Montreal's Dorval airport typically receives transatlantic arrivals from the east on runway 24L/24R, meaning a right (north-facing) seat gives views over the St. Lawrence River, Montreal Island, and the city grid including Mount Royal. Left seats face south toward flat suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: St. Lawrence River and Montreal Island approach, Mount Royal park and its distinctive hill rising from the urban grid, Montreal city centre skyline, Lac Saint-Louis to the southwest.
How long is the flight from Frankfurt to Montreal?
The flight from Frankfurt Main (FRA) to Montreal International Dorval (YUL) takes about 8 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,638 miles (5,855 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Frankfurt to Montreal flight path pass over?
The great circle route passes over the Netherlands and southern UK coast near London, then tracks northwest over the North Atlantic. Southern tip of Greenland (Kap Farvel area) is visible from the right side with glaciers and fjords. The route then crosses Labrador and Quebec's boreal forest — vast conifer taiga broken by lakes and rivers — before descending into Montreal.