Although the Johannesburg skyline gives the right side an edge at takeoff, the left side wins overall thanks to a distant glimpse of the Lesotho/Drakensberg highlands during cruise and a genuinely scenic coastal approach along Algoa Bay into Port Elizabeth.
Flown JNB to PLZ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth is 565 miles (909 km), a flight of about 1 hour 45 minutes.
Flat Free State farmland and the semi-arid Great Karoo, with the distant Lesotho highlands and southern Drakensberg escarpment visible off to the east on a clear day
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from JNB
RIGHTAfter the turn onto the southbound track, the right side faces west toward Johannesburg itself — the CBD towers and, further north, the Sandton skyline are visible in the middle distance, along with the pale mine-dump hills of the old Witwatersrand goldfields. The left side over Ekurhuleni is flatter and more industrial with less to distinguish it.
Landing at PLZ
LEFTOn the approach into runway 26, the aircraft tracks southwest with the coastline of Algoa Bay opening up on the left side. Passengers get a clear view of the turquoise bay, the Port Elizabeth beachfront and harbor, and the low headland toward Cape Recife before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) to Port Elizabeth (PLZ)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth. Although the Johannesburg skyline gives the right side an edge at takeoff, the left side wins overall thanks to a distant glimpse of the Lesotho/Drakensberg highlands during cruise and a genuinely scenic coastal approach along Algoa Bay into Port Elizabeth.
What can I see during takeoff from O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg?
During takeoff from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), sit on the Right side for the best views. After the turn onto the southbound track, the right side faces west toward Johannesburg itself — the CBD towers and, further north, the Sandton skyline are visible in the middle distance, along with the pale mine-dump hills of the old Witwatersrand goldfields. The left side over Ekurhuleni is flatter and more industrial with less to distinguish it. Notable sights include: Johannesburg CBD skyline, Sandton towers, Witwatersrand gold mine dumps, Ekurhuleni sprawl.
What can I see when landing at Port Elizabeth in Port Elizabeth?
When landing at Port Elizabeth (PLZ), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the approach into runway 26, the aircraft tracks southwest with the coastline of Algoa Bay opening up on the left side. Passengers get a clear view of the turquoise bay, the Port Elizabeth beachfront and harbor, and the low headland toward Cape Recife before touchdown. Notable sights include: Algoa Bay, Port Elizabeth beachfront and harbor, Cape Recife headland, King's Beach.
How long is the flight from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth?
The flight from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) to Port Elizabeth (PLZ) takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 565 miles (909 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth flight path pass over?
Flat Free State farmland and the semi-arid Great Karoo, with the distant Lesotho highlands and southern Drakensberg escarpment visible off to the east on a clear day