Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sao Paulo to Zurich. The right side wins overall due to the spectacular Alpine approach into Zurich, which is one of the most visually rewarding airport approaches in Europe. While the left side has a slight edge at São Paulo departure, the right side also captures Atlantic coastline views over West Africa and the Mediterranean during cruise, and delivers the definitive Zürichsee and Alps arrival sequence.

During takeoff from Guarulhos (GRU), sit on the Left side for the best views. GRU typically departs northeast on runway 09R/10R or north on 28L. A left-side seat gives you views back over the Serra da Cantareira hills and the sprawling São Paulo metro grid as you climb out. The Tietê River snaking through the urban fabric is clearly visible from the left. Notable sights include: Serra da Cantareira hills to the northwest, Tietê River valley through São Paulo, Guarulhos urban grid below, Billings and Guarapiranga reservoirs visible to the south as you bank.

When landing at Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Right side for the best views. ZRH typically lands on runway 14 or 28, with approaches often coming from the north or northwest. A right-side seat on approach from the north gives you the Zürichsee stretching south, the city center along the lake's northern tip, and the Alps spread across the southern horizon. The Glarus Alps and Säntis massif are clearly identifiable on the right side. Notable sights include: Zürichsee (Lake Zurich) stretching south, Zürich city center at the lake's northern end, Uetliberg ridge to the west, Säntis massif and Glarus Alps on the southern horizon.

The flight from Guarulhos (GRU) to Zurich (ZRH) takes Approximately 11 to 12 hours.

The route crosses the South Atlantic, passing near the Brazilian coast north of Recife before heading northeast toward West Africa. The Gulf of Guinea coastline of Cameroon or Nigeria may be visible. The flight then crosses the Sahara Desert with its vast sand seas and ergs visible in daylight, followed by the Mediterranean Sea crossing near Tunisia or Sicily, then the Italian or French Alps before descending into Switzerland.