The right side wins on both ends of the flight: Istanbul's Bosphorus and Marmara coastline at takeoff, and the Yangtze Delta/Hangzhou Bay coastline at landing. During cruise, the great-circle route arcs across Russia, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia, and the southern-facing right side offers glimpses of the Caucasus foothills and Caspian Sea basin early in the route, plus the Tian Shan and Gobi's mountain fringes later, giving more terrain variety than the flatter northern steppe visible on the left.
Flown IST to PVG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Istanbul to Shanghai is 4,984 miles (8,022 km), a flight of about 9 hours 45 minutes.
Caspian Sea basin, Kazakh steppe, Tian Shan mountain foothills, Gobi Desert, Mongolian plateau
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IST
RIGHTIST departures typically climb out and turn east/southeast, putting Istanbul's historic peninsula, the Bosphorus Strait, and the Sea of Marmara coastline on the right side of the aircraft. This is one of the most recognizable urban waterway views in the world.
Landing at PVG
RIGHTArrivals into PVG from the northwest typically descend over the Yangtze River Delta and Hangzhou Bay, giving right-side passengers a view of the coastline, tidal flats, and the sprawling Shanghai urban area before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Shanghai. The right side wins on both ends of the flight: Istanbul's Bosphorus and Marmara coastline at takeoff, and the Yangtze Delta/Hangzhou Bay coastline at landing. During cruise, the great-circle route arcs across Russia, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia, and the southern-facing right side offers glimpses of the Caucasus foothills and Caspian Sea basin early in the route, plus the Tian Shan and Gobi's mountain fringes later, giving more terrain variety than the flatter northern steppe visible on the left.
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 typically climb out and turn east/southeast, putting Istanbul's historic peninsula, the Bosphorus Strait, and the Sea of Marmara coastline on the right side of the aircraft. This is one of the most recognizable urban waterway views in the world. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul's historic peninsula, Sea of Marmara, Princes' Islands.
What can I see when landing at Shanghai Pudong International in Shanghai?
When landing at Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arrivals into PVG from the northwest typically descend over the Yangtze River Delta and Hangzhou Bay, giving right-side passengers a view of the coastline, tidal flats, and the sprawling Shanghai urban area before touchdown. Notable sights include: Hangzhou Bay coastline, Yangtze River Delta tidal flats, outer Shanghai suburbs, Chongming Island vicinity.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Shanghai?
The flight from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) takes about 9 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,984 miles (8,022 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Istanbul to Shanghai flight path pass over?
Caspian Sea basin, Kazakh steppe, Tian Shan mountain foothills, Gobi Desert, Mongolian plateau