The right side wins on both ends of the flight — a scenic Miami Beach coastal departure and a Bosphorus/Istanbul skyline arrival — while the left side offers flatter, less distinctive terrain during both takeoff and landing.
Flight Path
Open North Atlantic Ocean for several hours, passing north of the Azores, with the Iberian Peninsula and western Mediterranean Sea becoming visible as the route approaches Europe before crossing into the eastern Mediterranean toward Turkey.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MIA
RIGHTMIA typically departs to the east on runway 09, giving right-side passengers a sweeping view of Miami Beach, the barrier islands, and the turquoise shallows of Biscayne Bay as the aircraft climbs over the coastline before turning north. Left-side passengers mostly see the flat sprawl of the Everglades and western suburbs.
Landing at IST
RIGHTArrivals into IST commonly cross the Sea of Marmara before turning onto final approach, and on the typical southerly arrival track this puts the Istanbul skyline, the Bosphorus entrance, and the Princes' Islands on the right side of the aircraft. The left side mostly shows farmland and the flatter Thracian countryside north of the city.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Miami International (MIA) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Miami to Istanbul. The right side wins on both ends of the flight — a scenic Miami Beach coastal departure and a Bosphorus/Istanbul skyline arrival — while the left side offers flatter, less distinctive terrain during both takeoff and landing.
What can I see during takeoff from Miami International in Miami?
During takeoff from Miami International (MIA), sit on the Right side for the best views. MIA typically departs to the east on runway 09, giving right-side passengers a sweeping view of Miami Beach, the barrier islands, and the turquoise shallows of Biscayne Bay as the aircraft climbs over the coastline before turning north. Left-side passengers mostly see the flat sprawl of the Everglades and western suburbs. Notable sights include: Miami Beach, Biscayne Bay, Fisher Island, Port of Miami.
What can I see when landing at İstanbul Airport in Istanbul?
When landing at İstanbul Airport (IST), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arrivals into IST commonly cross the Sea of Marmara before turning onto final approach, and on the typical southerly arrival track this puts the Istanbul skyline, the Bosphorus entrance, and the Princes' Islands on the right side of the aircraft. The left side mostly shows farmland and the flatter Thracian countryside north of the city. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus Strait entrance, Princes' Islands, Istanbul skyline.
How long is the flight from Miami to Istanbul?
The flight from Miami International (MIA) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes 10h 45m.
What does the Miami to Istanbul flight path pass over?
Open North Atlantic Ocean for several hours, passing north of the Azores, with the Iberian Peninsula and western Mediterranean Sea becoming visible as the route approaches Europe before crossing into the eastern Mediterranean toward Turkey.