Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Norfolk to Amsterdam. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. Over the Atlantic the views are largely featureless ocean regardless of side, but the left side also picks up the southern coast of England and the Thames Estuary during the descent into European airspace, plus the Dutch coastline on approach.

During takeoff from Norfolk International (ORF), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing ORF typically uses Runway 5 (northeast) or Runway 23 (southwest). On a northeast departure toward AMS, the left side gives you views over the Elizabeth River, Norfolk Naval Station — the world's largest naval base — and Hampton Roads harbor. You'll see the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel stretching across the bay mouth as the aircraft climbs and banks north. Notable sights include: Norfolk Naval Station (piers and carrier berths), Hampton Roads harbor, Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, Elizabeth River confluence.

When landing at Schiphol (AMS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Schiphol typically uses Runway 18R/36L or 06/24 depending on wind. On approach from the southwest or west, the left side looks north over Amsterdam's canal ring, the IJ waterway, and the distinctive polder landscape of the Netherlands. You'll see the geometric grid of Dutch polders, windmills, and the city's concentric canal structure clearly from the left. Notable sights include: Amsterdam canal ring (grachtengordel), IJ waterway and harbor, Dutch polder grid fields, Westpoort industrial harbor.

The flight from Norfolk International (ORF) to Schiphol (AMS) takes Approximately 8 to 9 hours.

After departing the US East Coast, the flight tracks northeast over the North Atlantic. Mid-ocean there is little to see beyond open water and occasional cloud decks. Approaching Europe, the flight crosses southern Ireland or Cornwall depending on routing, then the English Channel. The left side may catch glimpses of the English coastline and the Thames Estuary. Descending into the Netherlands, the flat North Sea coast, Hook of Holland, and the Rhine-Meuse delta become visible before the polder landscape surrounding Schiphol.