The right side wins on both ends: a hillier departure past the Peak District and a dramatic water-and-island approach into Istanbul outweigh the flatter farmland views on the left, plus the right side catches glimpses of Central European river valleys during cruise.
Flown MAN to SAW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Manchester to Pendik, Istanbul is 1,696 miles (2,729 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The route crosses the Low Countries and central Germany, skirts the northern edge of the Alps near Austria, then passes over the Hungarian plain and the Balkan uplands of Bulgaria before descending toward the Sea of Marmara.
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_in_Istanbul.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MAN
RIGHTDeparting Manchester on runway 23 the aircraft climbs southwest then banks left onto an easterly heading toward Europe, putting the Peak District's gritstone hills and the edge of the Pennines on the right side as the city falls away. The left side mostly shows flat Cheshire plain and the Mersey estuary haze.
Landing at SAW
RIGHTArrivals into Sabiha Gökçen on the northeast-facing runways typically swing south over the Sea of Marmara before turning in, giving right-side passengers a sweeping view of the Princes' Islands and the Istanbul skyline across the water. The left side instead faces inland toward flatter Anatolian farmland.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Manchester (MAN) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Manchester to Pendik, Istanbul. The right side wins on both ends: a hillier departure past the Peak District and a dramatic water-and-island approach into Istanbul outweigh the flatter farmland views on the left, plus the right side catches glimpses of Central European river valleys during cruise.
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 then banks left onto an easterly heading toward Europe, putting the Peak District's gritstone hills and the edge of the Pennines on the right side as the city falls away. The left side mostly shows flat Cheshire plain and the Mersey estuary haze. Notable sights include: Manchester city center, Peak District hills, Pennine foothills, Cheshire plain.
What can I see when landing at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport in Pendik, Istanbul?
When landing at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arrivals into Sabiha Gökçen on the northeast-facing runways typically swing south over the Sea of Marmara before turning in, giving right-side passengers a sweeping view of the Princes' Islands and the Istanbul skyline across the water. The left side instead faces inland toward flatter Anatolian farmland. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Princes' Islands, Istanbul skyline, Bosphorus mouth.
How long is the flight from Manchester to Pendik, Istanbul?
The flight from Manchester (MAN) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,696 miles (2,729 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Manchester to Pendik, Istanbul flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Low Countries and central Germany, skirts the northern edge of the Alps near Austria, then passes over the Hungarian plain and the Balkan uplands of Bulgaria before descending toward the Sea of Marmara.