Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Madrid to Beirut. While takeoff favors the right for mountain views, the landing approach into Beirut is the more visually rewarding segment of this route, and left-side seats dominate that experience. The Mediterranean crossing offers less dramatic scenery, making the landing views the priority.

During takeoff from Barajas (MAD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the climb-out over the Guadarrama Mountains to the north and northwest, which form a dramatic backdrop immediately after departure. Madrid's urban sprawl spreads across the central plateau below, and the Sierra de Guadarrama ridge is the dominant visual feature during the first 10-15 minutes of flight. Notable sights include: Guadarrama Mountains (north/northwest), Madrid city center and sprawl (directly below), Tagus River valley (south), Alcalá de Henares urban area (east).

When landing at Beirut International (BEY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best views during descent into Beirut. The approach typically comes from the north over the Mediterranean, and left-side passengers see the Lebanese coast, Mount Lebanon range, and the Anti-Lebanon Mountains as the aircraft descends toward the runway. The Mediterranean coastline and Beirut's waterfront are particularly striking on final approach. Notable sights include: Mediterranean Sea (west/southwest), Mount Lebanon range (east/southeast), Beirut waterfront and harbor (below), Anti-Lebanon Mountains (distant east).

The flight from Barajas (MAD) to Beirut International (BEY) takes Approximately 4 hours 15 minutes.

The flight path crosses the Mediterranean Sea for roughly 2.5 hours after leaving Spanish airspace. Notable geographic features along the route include: the Balearic Islands (visible shortly after departure if flying southeast), the Mediterranean basin (open water with occasional ship traffic visible from altitude), the Greek islands and Peloponnese (far to the north of the direct routing), southern Turkey's coast (if routed via that corridor), Cyprus (potentially visible to the north depending on exact routing), and the Syrian/Lebanese coast approaching Beirut. Most of the midpoint flight is over open Mediterranean with limited landmark visibility—the route typically follows a great-circle path southeast across the sea.