The left side wins on both ends of the flight: Istanbul's waterways and islands at departure, and the Garonne/Bordeaux cityscape at arrival, while cruise-phase views over the Adriatic and Italian coastline also skew slightly south-facing.
Flight Path
Adriatic Sea, Italian peninsula near the Apennines, Tyrrhenian Sea, and the foothills of the Massif Central approaching southwestern France
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IST
LEFTDeparting IST typically climbs out over the Sea of Marmara before turning west, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of the Bosphorus, the historic Istanbul peninsula, and the Princes' Islands scattered in the Marmara. The right side mostly shows the flatter Thracian countryside north of the city.
Landing at BOD
LEFTOn approach to BOD's runway 23, the flight path from the northeast passes just north of Bordeaux city, putting the Garonne River's looping bends and the city's rooftops on the left side of the aircraft during final descent. The right side shows mostly the flat pine forests of the Landes.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Merignac (BOD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Bordeaux. The left side wins on both ends of the flight: Istanbul's waterways and islands at departure, and the Garonne/Bordeaux cityscape at arrival, while cruise-phase views over the Adriatic and Italian coastline also skew slightly south-facing.
What can I see during takeoff from İstanbul Airport in Istanbul?
During takeoff from İstanbul Airport (IST), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing IST typically climbs out over the Sea of Marmara before turning west, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of the Bosphorus, the historic Istanbul peninsula, and the Princes' Islands scattered in the Marmara. The right side mostly shows the flatter Thracian countryside north of the city. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul old city skyline, Sea of Marmara, Princes' Islands.
What can I see when landing at Merignac in Bordeaux?
When landing at Merignac (BOD), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to BOD's runway 23, the flight path from the northeast passes just north of Bordeaux city, putting the Garonne River's looping bends and the city's rooftops on the left side of the aircraft during final descent. The right side shows mostly the flat pine forests of the Landes. Notable sights include: Garonne River, Bordeaux city center, Pont de Pierre bridge area, vineyard patchwork of the Médoc.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Bordeaux?
The flight from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Merignac (BOD) takes 3h 40m.
What does the Istanbul to Bordeaux flight path pass over?
Adriatic Sea, Italian peninsula near the Apennines, Tyrrhenian Sea, and the foothills of the Massif Central approaching southwestern France