Right-side seats offer superior scenery at both ends of the journey. Takeoff provides dramatic Ko'olau Mountain views, and the long transpacific leg means right-side seats face north toward the Aleutian Islands and Bering Strait region during the northern Pacific crossing, offering occasional glimpses of remote Arctic geography.
Flown HNL to ATH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Honolulu to Athens is 8,341 miles (13,423 km), a flight of about 17 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses the North Pacific, passing south of the Aleutian Islands. Depending on routing, aircraft may pass near or over the Bering Strait region, offering views of the Aleutian chain's volcanic peaks and the Bering Sea. The route then transitions over Russia (Siberia), the Ural Mountains, and Eastern Europe before reaching Greece. Clear-weather windows over the Urals and the Black Sea region provide additional scenic opportunities, though much of the transpacific and Siberian portions occur over open ocean and remote tundra with limited distinctive landmarks.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from HNL
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Ko'olau Mountain Range and Honolulu's urban sprawl as the aircraft climbs northwestward. The left side faces the open Pacific immediately after departure.
Landing at ATH
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of the Attica region, Mount Hymettus, and the Saronic Gulf as the aircraft descends toward Athens from the northeast. The approach path brings these landmarks into clear view on the left side.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Honolulu International (HNL) to Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Honolulu to Athens. Right-side seats offer superior scenery at both ends of the journey. Takeoff provides dramatic Ko'olau Mountain views, and the long transpacific leg means right-side seats face north toward the Aleutian Islands and Bering Strait region during the northern Pacific crossing, offering occasional glimpses of remote Arctic geography.
What can I see during takeoff from Honolulu International in Honolulu?
During takeoff from Honolulu International (HNL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Ko'olau Mountain Range and Honolulu's urban sprawl as the aircraft climbs northwestward. The left side faces the open Pacific immediately after departure. Notable sights include: Ko'olau Mountain Range, Honolulu city grid and harbor, Kailua Bay, Pacific Ocean horizon.
What can I see when landing at Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos in Athens?
When landing at Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Attica region, Mount Hymettus, and the Saronic Gulf as the aircraft descends toward Athens from the northeast. The approach path brings these landmarks into clear view on the left side. Notable sights include: Mount Hymettus (Imittos), Saronic Gulf, Attica plains, Athens urban sprawl.
How long is the flight from Honolulu to Athens?
The flight from Honolulu International (HNL) to Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) takes about 17 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 8,341 miles (13,423 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Honolulu to Athens flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Pacific, passing south of the Aleutian Islands. Depending on routing, aircraft may pass near or over the Bering Strait region, offering views of the Aleutian chain's volcanic peaks and the Bering Sea. The route then transitions over Russia (Siberia), the Ural Mountains, and Eastern Europe before reaching Greece. Clear-weather windows over the Urals and the Black Sea region provide additional scenic opportunities, though much of the transpacific and Siberian portions occur over open ocean and remote tundra with limited distinctive landmarks.