HNL BWU Honolulu International to Sydney Bankstown

Which side of the plane from Honolulu to Sydney

Reverse

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Honolulu International (HNL) to Sydney Bankstown (BWU)?

Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Honolulu to Sydney. The takeoff views from the right side are significantly more dramatic and memorable than the landing approach, which is largely suburban sprawl. The Ko'olau Range and windward Oahu scenery outweigh the modest landing views.

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 capture the dramatic windward Ko'olau Range and the lush Kailua Valley during the typical northeast departure climb. The left side faces the developed urban sprawl of Honolulu and Pearl Harbor, which is less visually striking. Notable sights include: Ko'olau Range (jagged volcanic ridge running north-south), Kailua Bay and Lanikai Beach (turquoise waters and white sand visible below), Windward Oahu's green valleys, Mokapu Peninsula.

What can I see when landing at Sydney Bankstown in Sydney?

When landing at Sydney Bankstown (BWU), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best views during approach to Bankstown, capturing Sydney Harbour, the Blue Mountains on the western horizon, and the Parramatta River system. Bankstown is inland southwest of the city, so left-side seats face toward the city center and dramatic western escarpment. Notable sights include: Sydney Harbour (distinctive shape with multiple inlets), Blue Mountains (hazy ridge on western horizon), Parramatta River (winding waterway inland), Greater Sydney urban sprawl.

How long is the flight from Honolulu to Sydney?

The flight from Honolulu International (HNL) to Sydney Bankstown (BWU) takes Approximately 13-14 hours.

What does the Honolulu to Sydney flight path pass over?

This route crosses the central Pacific Ocean for roughly 4,800 nautical miles. After departing Honolulu and climbing to cruise altitude (typically 35,000-41,000 feet), the aircraft tracks southwest across open ocean with no significant landmarks visible for approximately 10-11 hours. The route passes well north of Fiji and Samoa. As the aircraft approaches Australian airspace and begins descent into Sydney, the Great Dividing Range becomes visible on the western horizon roughly 100 miles out, appearing as a low, hazy ridge. The approach into Bankstown takes the aircraft over inland New South Wales, crossing the Nepean River valley and approaching from the west.