The left side wins overall because the long cruise phase tracks south of the Alps and across the Caucasus, Zagros Mountains, and Hindu Kush, all visible to the north (left) of the flight path, and the Phuket approach adds Phang Nga Bay's karst scenery on the same side, outweighing the brief Peak District view on takeoff.
Flown MAN to HKT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Manchester to Phuket is 6,200 miles (9,979 km), a flight of about 12 hours 10 minutes.
Distant Alps near the Austria-Italy border, the Caucasus Mountains between the Black and Caspian Seas, the Zagros Mountains of Iran, the Hindu Kush foothills, and the wide expanse of the Bay of Bengal before descent into the Andaman Sea
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MAN
RIGHTDeparting Manchester on runway 23, the aircraft climbs southwest over Cheshire before turning left onto its eastbound routing toward Europe. That turn swings the Peak District's moorland ridges and the edge of Manchester's urban sprawl into view on the right side.
Landing at HKT
LEFTArriving from the north over the Andaman Sea, the aircraft swings wide to line up with runway 27, and that turn puts the limestone karst islands of Phang Nga Bay and Phuket's northern coastline on the left side just before the final low pass over Mai Khao Beach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Manchester (MAN) to Phuket International (HKT)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Manchester to Phuket. The left side wins overall because the long cruise phase tracks south of the Alps and across the Caucasus, Zagros Mountains, and Hindu Kush, all visible to the north (left) of the flight path, and the Phuket approach adds Phang Nga Bay's karst scenery on the same side, outweighing the brief Peak District view on takeoff.
What can I see during takeoff from Manchester in Manchester?
During takeoff from Manchester (MAN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Manchester on runway 23, the aircraft climbs southwest over Cheshire before turning left onto its eastbound routing toward Europe. That turn swings the Peak District's moorland ridges and the edge of Manchester's urban sprawl into view on the right side. Notable sights include: Peak District (Kinder Scout, Dark Peak moors), Manchester conurbation, Cheshire Plain, Mersey valley.
What can I see when landing at Phuket International in Phuket?
When landing at Phuket International (HKT), sit on the Left side for the best views. Arriving from the north over the Andaman Sea, the aircraft swings wide to line up with runway 27, and that turn puts the limestone karst islands of Phang Nga Bay and Phuket's northern coastline on the left side just before the final low pass over Mai Khao Beach. Notable sights include: Phang Nga Bay limestone karsts, Mai Khao Beach, Phuket's northern coastline, Andaman Sea.
How long is the flight from Manchester to Phuket?
The flight from Manchester (MAN) to Phuket International (HKT) takes about 12 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,200 miles (9,979 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Manchester to Phuket flight path pass over?
Distant Alps near the Austria-Italy border, the Caucasus Mountains between the Black and Caspian Seas, the Zagros Mountains of Iran, the Hindu Kush foothills, and the wide expanse of the Bay of Bengal before descent into the Andaman Sea