Left side scores higher due to the dramatic Mediterranean departure from Marseille, featuring a recognizable harbor, rocky coastline, and island archipelago. While Istanbul's approach on the right is urban and interesting, the Marmara crossing is largely open water. The Marseille takeoff sequence—with its combination of city, harbor, and coastal drama—outweighs the landing experience, making left the superior choice for the full flight.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the Mediterranean Sea from northwest to southeast, passing over open water for approximately 2 hours. Notable geographic features along the route include the Greek mainland (visible to the right/south around the 1.5-hour mark), the Aegean Sea's eastern edge, and the Turkish coast near Izmir and Çeşme. The approach to Istanbul crosses the Sea of Marmara from west to east, with the Bosphorus strait visible on descent. No major mountain ranges are crossed; the route stays over water and coastal lowlands.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MRS
LEFTLeft side captures Marseille's harbor and the Mediterranean coastline during departure. Runway 31 (northwesterly) departures turn southeast, placing the coast and city on the left wing. The Îles d'Hyères archipelago and rocky Provençal shoreline are visible during the initial climb.
Landing at SAW
RIGHTRight side offers superior approach scenery into Istanbul. SAW typically uses runway 06 for northeasterly arrivals (when winds permit), which means the descent path from the west places the Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus strait, and Istanbul's urban sprawl on the right. The approach crosses the Marmara's eastern basin and the city's Asian side before landing.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Provence (MRS) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Marseille to Pendik, Istanbul. Left side scores higher due to the dramatic Mediterranean departure from Marseille, featuring a recognizable harbor, rocky coastline, and island archipelago. While Istanbul's approach on the right is urban and interesting, the Marmara crossing is largely open water. The Marseille takeoff sequence—with its combination of city, harbor, and coastal drama—outweighs the landing experience, making left the superior choice for the full flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Provence in Marseille?
During takeoff from Provence (MRS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side captures Marseille's harbor and the Mediterranean coastline during departure. Runway 31 (northwesterly) departures turn southeast, placing the coast and city on the left wing. The Îles d'Hyères archipelago and rocky Provençal shoreline are visible during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Marseille harbor and Old Port (Vieux Port), Mediterranean Sea, Îles d'Hyères (Porquerolles, Port-Cros), Provençal limestone cliffs.
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. Right side offers superior approach scenery into Istanbul. SAW typically uses runway 06 for northeasterly arrivals (when winds permit), which means the descent path from the west places the Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus strait, and Istanbul's urban sprawl on the right. The approach crosses the Marmara's eastern basin and the city's Asian side before landing. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus strait entrance, Istanbul's Asian shore (Pendik, Kartal districts), Prince's Islands (Kınalıada, Burgazada).
How long is the flight from Marseille to Pendik, Istanbul?
The flight from Provence (MRS) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) takes 3h 15m.
What does the Marseille to Pendik, Istanbul flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Mediterranean Sea from northwest to southeast, passing over open water for approximately 2 hours. Notable geographic features along the route include the Greek mainland (visible to the right/south around the 1.5-hour mark), the Aegean Sea's eastern edge, and the Turkish coast near Izmir and Çeşme. The approach to Istanbul crosses the Sea of Marmara from west to east, with the Bosphorus strait visible on descent. No major mountain ranges are crossed; the route stays over water and coastal lowlands.