Right-side seats capture the dramatic Sierra Nevada departure and provide consistent views across the northern Great Basin and Rocky Mountains during the long transatlantic cruise. The left side offers the Øresund approach, but the takeoff scenery from the right is more visually distinctive and sustained.
Flown NID to CPH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
China to Copenhagen is 5,484 miles (8,825 km), a flight of about 10 hours 45 minutes.
Flight path crosses the Great Basin (Nevada/Utah), then the Rocky Mountains (Wyoming/Colorado), then the Great Plains. Over the Atlantic, the route passes north of Greenland or via the North Atlantic track system. Notable geographic features include the Wasatch Range (Utah), the Continental Divide (Colorado/Wyoming), the Canadian Rockies (if routed north), and the Labrador coast. The flight typically cruises at 35,000-43,000 feet where individual terrain becomes less distinct, but major mountain ranges and weather systems remain visible.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from NID
RIGHTChina Lake NAS typically departs runway 18 (southbound) or 36 (northbound). Right-side seats offer views of the Sierra Nevada range to the east and the Inyo Mountains, which rise dramatically from the desert floor. The Coso Range is also visible to the south.
Landing at CPH
LEFTApproaching Copenhagen typically uses runway 04L/04R (eastbound) or 22L/22R (westbound). Left-side seats on final approach offer views of the Øresund Strait, the Swedish coast near Malmö, and the Danish archipelago. If landing westbound, you'll see the Greater Copenhagen urban area and Amager Island spreading below.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from China Lake Naws (NID) to Kastrup (CPH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from China to Copenhagen. Right-side seats capture the dramatic Sierra Nevada departure and provide consistent views across the northern Great Basin and Rocky Mountains during the long transatlantic cruise. The left side offers the Øresund approach, but the takeoff scenery from the right is more visually distinctive and sustained.
What can I see during takeoff from China Lake Naws in China?
During takeoff from China Lake Naws (NID), sit on the Right side for the best views. China Lake NAS typically departs runway 18 (southbound) or 36 (northbound). Right-side seats offer views of the Sierra Nevada range to the east and the Inyo Mountains, which rise dramatically from the desert floor. The Coso Range is also visible to the south. Notable sights include: Sierra Nevada (eastern horizon), Inyo Mountains (southeast), Coso Range (south), China Lake basin (directly below during initial climb).
What can I see when landing at Kastrup in Copenhagen?
When landing at Kastrup (CPH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Approaching Copenhagen typically uses runway 04L/04R (eastbound) or 22L/22R (westbound). Left-side seats on final approach offer views of the Øresund Strait, the Swedish coast near Malmö, and the Danish archipelago. If landing westbound, you'll see the Greater Copenhagen urban area and Amager Island spreading below. Notable sights include: Øresund Strait (between Denmark and Sweden), Malmö city (Swedish coast, south), Amager Island (west of airport), Danish archipelago and Isefjord (north).
How long is the flight from China to Copenhagen?
The flight from China Lake Naws (NID) to Kastrup (CPH) takes about 10 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,484 miles (8,825 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the China to Copenhagen flight path pass over?
Flight path crosses the Great Basin (Nevada/Utah), then the Rocky Mountains (Wyoming/Colorado), then the Great Plains. Over the Atlantic, the route passes north of Greenland or via the North Atlantic track system. Notable geographic features include the Wasatch Range (Utah), the Continental Divide (Colorado/Wyoming), the Canadian Rockies (if routed north), and the Labrador coast. The flight typically cruises at 35,000-43,000 feet where individual terrain becomes less distinct, but major mountain ranges and weather systems remain visible.