The right side wins overall because the Miami departure view over Biscayne Bay and Miami Beach is one of the most visually spectacular urban coastal departures in the US. The landing view from the left is excellent but the right side also picks up the Azores islands if the flight path passes near them, and gets the Portuguese coastline on descent. The Miami departure spectacle edges it.
Flight Path
The flight tracks northeast over the Bahamas and then out over the open North Atlantic on a great circle route. The Gulf Stream is visible as a color contrast in the ocean during initial climb. The Azores archipelago (Flores, Faial, Pico with its volcanic cone) may be visible on the right side if the routing passes near 39N 28W. The Portuguese coastline appears on descent, with the Alentejo plains and the Serra da Arrábida hills south of Lisbon visible before the Tagus estuary.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MIA
RIGHTMIA's primary departure runway 09/27 means eastward departures give the right side a clear view over Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach, and the Atlantic. Northbound departures on runway 12/30 also favor the right side with views over downtown Miami and the barrier islands.
Landing at LIS
LEFTLisbon's primary approach is runway 03, meaning aircraft arrive from the south over the Tagus estuary. The left side gets the Tagus River mouth, the 25 de Abril Bridge, and the city of Lisbon itself spread across its hills on the north bank.
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 Lisboa (LIS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Miami to Lisbon. The right side wins overall because the Miami departure view over Biscayne Bay and Miami Beach is one of the most visually spectacular urban coastal departures in the US. The landing view from the left is excellent but the right side also picks up the Azores islands if the flight path passes near them, and gets the Portuguese coastline on descent. The Miami departure spectacle edges it.
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's primary departure runway 09/27 means eastward departures give the right side a clear view over Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach, and the Atlantic. Northbound departures on runway 12/30 also favor the right side with views over downtown Miami and the barrier islands. Notable sights include: Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach barrier island, Port of Miami cruise terminals, downtown Miami skyline.
What can I see when landing at Lisboa in Lisbon?
When landing at Lisboa (LIS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Lisbon's primary approach is runway 03, meaning aircraft arrive from the south over the Tagus estuary. The left side gets the Tagus River mouth, the 25 de Abril Bridge, and the city of Lisbon itself spread across its hills on the north bank. Notable sights include: Tagus River estuary, 25 de Abril suspension bridge, Lisbon city hills and downtown Baixa district, Cristo Rei statue on the south bank.
How long is the flight from Miami to Lisbon?
The flight from Miami International (MIA) to Lisboa (LIS) takes Approximately 8 hours 30 minutes to 9 hours 30 minutes westbound winds permitting, typically around 9 hours eastbound.
What does the Miami to Lisbon flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast over the Bahamas and then out over the open North Atlantic on a great circle route. The Gulf Stream is visible as a color contrast in the ocean during initial climb. The Azores archipelago (Flores, Faial, Pico with its volcanic cone) may be visible on the right side if the routing passes near 39N 28W. The Portuguese coastline appears on descent, with the Alentejo plains and the Serra da Arrábida hills south of Lisbon visible before the Tagus estuary.