The right side wins on both ends of the flight: a Bosphorus/Istanbul view at departure and a Boston Harbor/skyline view at arrival, plus a chance to glimpse Iceland or southern Greenland's coastline during the North Atlantic crossing. The left side offers comparatively flat, featureless views during takeoff and landing with the same ocean crossing in between.
Flown IST to BOS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Istanbul to Boston is 4,801 miles (7,726 km), a flight of about 10 hours 45 minutes.
Balkan uplands over Bulgaria/Romania, then a long North Atlantic crossing passing near Iceland's southern coast and the tip of Greenland's ice sheet before reaching Labrador and the New England coastline.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IST
RIGHTIST departures heading toward Europe typically turn onto a westerly heading soon after liftoff, putting the Bosphorus strait, the historic peninsula of Istanbul, and the Sea of Marmara coastline on the right side of the aircraft. The left side mostly shows the flatter Thracian countryside inland.
Landing at BOS
RIGHTArrivals into Logan from the north or northeast often swing over Massachusetts Bay before turning onto final approach, giving right-side passengers a view of the Boston skyline, harbor islands, and the runways jutting into the water. The left side typically faces open bay with less distinct scenery.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from İstanbul Airport (IST) to General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Boston. The right side wins on both ends of the flight: a Bosphorus/Istanbul view at departure and a Boston Harbor/skyline view at arrival, plus a chance to glimpse Iceland or southern Greenland's coastline during the North Atlantic crossing. The left side offers comparatively flat, featureless views during takeoff and landing with the same ocean crossing in between.
What can I see during takeoff from İstanbul Airport in Istanbul?
During takeoff from İstanbul Airport (IST), sit on the Right side for the best views. IST departures heading toward Europe typically turn onto a westerly heading soon after liftoff, putting the Bosphorus strait, the historic peninsula of Istanbul, and the Sea of Marmara coastline on the right side of the aircraft. The left side mostly shows the flatter Thracian countryside inland. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul historic peninsula (Hagia Sophia/Topkapi area), Sea of Marmara, Princes' Islands.
What can I see when landing at General Edward Lawrence Logan International in Boston?
When landing at General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arrivals into Logan from the north or northeast often swing over Massachusetts Bay before turning onto final approach, giving right-side passengers a view of the Boston skyline, harbor islands, and the runways jutting into the water. The left side typically faces open bay with less distinct scenery. Notable sights include: Boston Harbor Islands, Downtown Boston skyline, Logan Airport's harbor-side runways, Massachusetts Bay coastline.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Boston?
The flight from İstanbul Airport (IST) to General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS) takes about 10 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,801 miles (7,726 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Istanbul to Boston flight path pass over?
Balkan uplands over Bulgaria/Romania, then a long North Atlantic crossing passing near Iceland's southern coast and the tip of Greenland's ice sheet before reaching Labrador and the New England coastline.