The right side wins on both ends of the flight: a scenic Bosphorus and Black Sea view during departure from Istanbul, and a dramatic Rocky Mountain Front Range view during the descent into Denver. The left side offers only flat, unremarkable terrain during both phases.
Flown IST to DEN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Istanbul to Denver is 6,114 miles (9,840 km), a flight of about 11 hours 10 minutes.
The great-circle route passes over the Balkans, Central Europe, southern Scandinavia, the North Atlantic near Iceland, the southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet, and Hudson Bay before descending across the Canadian Prairies and the U.S. Great Plains into Denver.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IST
RIGHTDeparting IST on a northwesterly heading toward the Balkans, the right side gives a good look back at the Bosphorus strait, the Sea of Marmara, and the Black Sea coastline as the aircraft climbs out over Istanbul's northern districts. The left side mostly shows flat Thracian farmland with little visual interest.
Landing at DEN
RIGHTArrivals into DEN from the east typically bank south to align with the north-south runways, putting the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains squarely on the right side of the aircraft during the final descent. The left side faces east over the flat, featureless High Plains with no comparable terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Denver International (DEN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Denver. The right side wins on both ends of the flight: a scenic Bosphorus and Black Sea view during departure from Istanbul, and a dramatic Rocky Mountain Front Range view during the descent into Denver. The left side offers only flat, unremarkable terrain during both phases.
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. Departing IST on a northwesterly heading toward the Balkans, the right side gives a good look back at the Bosphorus strait, the Sea of Marmara, and the Black Sea coastline as the aircraft climbs out over Istanbul's northern districts. The left side mostly shows flat Thracian farmland with little visual interest. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Sea of Marmara, Black Sea coastline, Istanbul's European shoreline.
What can I see when landing at Denver International in Denver?
When landing at Denver International (DEN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arrivals into DEN from the east typically bank south to align with the north-south runways, putting the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains squarely on the right side of the aircraft during the final descent. The left side faces east over the flat, featureless High Plains with no comparable terrain. Notable sights include: Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, Longs Peak area, Denver's urban grid, South Platte River valley.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Denver?
The flight from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Denver International (DEN) takes about 11 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,114 miles (9,840 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Istanbul to Denver flight path pass over?
The great-circle route passes over the Balkans, Central Europe, southern Scandinavia, the North Atlantic near Iceland, the southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet, and Hudson Bay before descending across the Canadian Prairies and the U.S. Great Plains into Denver.