Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Johannesburg to Sao Paulo. While takeoff offers good Johannesburg city views from the left, the landing approach provides more dramatic and sustained scenery—the Serra da Cantareira mountains and the São Paulo metropolitan geography are visually distinctive. Right seats capture the approach descent with better views of the escarpment terrain and river valley.

During takeoff from Johannesburg International (JNB), sit on the Left side for the best views. Johannesburg International typically departs northwestward (runways 03L/03R or 21L/21R). Left seats face toward the Witwatersrand ridge and the urban sprawl of greater Johannesburg, offering immediate views of the city's geography and the highveld plateau terrain. Notable sights include: Witwatersrand ridge (visible as elevated terrain defining the city's northern edge), Johannesburg city center and northern suburbs (Sandton, Midrand), the Cradle of Humankind area to the northwest.

When landing at Guarulhos (GRU), sit on the Right side for the best views. Approach to Guarulhos typically comes from the northeast (runways 09L/09R or 27L/27R). Right seats face southwest toward the Serra da Cantareira mountains and the approach path over the São Paulo metropolitan area, providing views of the city's geography and the escarpment terrain. Notable sights include: Serra da Cantareira mountain range (northern boundary of São Paulo), the Tietê River valley and urban sprawl of greater São Paulo, Guarulhos city and industrial zones.

The flight from Johannesburg International (JNB) to Guarulhos (GRU) takes Approximately 12-13 hours.

The flight crosses the Atlantic Ocean for roughly 6-7 hours. Notable geographic markers include the southern African coast (if visible during departure climb), the Atlantic basin, and the Brazilian coast approaching landfall near Rio de Janeiro or further south. The approach to South America brings views of the Brazilian plateau, inland mountain ranges, and eventually the São Paulo escarpment (Serra do Mar and Serra da Mantiqueira) before descent into the Guarulhos approach corridor.