While takeoff offers good volcanic scenery, the landing approach into Paris provides more sustained visual interest with the Seine valley, farmland geometry, and urban landscape. Left-side seats capture the most distinctive features of both the approach corridor and the Île-de-France region.
Flown PDL to CDG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Ponta Delgada to Paris is 1,605 miles (2,583 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Atlantic at roughly 35,000 feet, passing north of the Iberian Peninsula. Around midpoint, you'll be over the Bay of Biscay with no visible landmarks—open ocean. As you approach continental Europe, the Pyrenees mountains may be visible to the south on clear days (appearing as a distant ridge on the horizon), and the Loire Valley's river system becomes visible during descent into French airspace. The flight generally follows a great-circle route that keeps the Atlantic to the north and Spain/France to the south.
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from PDL
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of São Miguel island's volcanic terrain and the Atlantic coastline as you climb out. The island's interior peaks and the surrounding ocean provide immediate visual interest during the initial climb.
Landing at CDG
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of the Seine river valley, the Île-de-France region's patchwork farmland, and Paris's urban sprawl during descent into CDG. You'll see the characteristic geometry of French agricultural fields and the city's northern approach.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ponta Delgada (PDL) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Ponta Delgada to Paris. While takeoff offers good volcanic scenery, the landing approach into Paris provides more sustained visual interest with the Seine valley, farmland geometry, and urban landscape. Left-side seats capture the most distinctive features of both the approach corridor and the Île-de-France region.
What can I see during takeoff from Ponta Delgada in Ponta Delgada?
During takeoff from Ponta Delgada (PDL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of São Miguel island's volcanic terrain and the Atlantic coastline as you climb out. The island's interior peaks and the surrounding ocean provide immediate visual interest during the initial climb. Notable sights include: São Miguel volcanic peaks, Ponta Delgada harbor and waterfront, Atlantic Ocean, Azores archipelago islands to the east.
What can I see when landing at Charles De Gaulle in Paris?
When landing at Charles De Gaulle (CDG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Seine river valley, the Île-de-France region's patchwork farmland, and Paris's urban sprawl during descent into CDG. You'll see the characteristic geometry of French agricultural fields and the city's northern approach. Notable sights include: Seine river and its meanders, Île-de-France agricultural plains, Paris urban area and suburbs, Forest of Rambouillet to the southwest.
How long is the flight from Ponta Delgada to Paris?
The flight from Ponta Delgada (PDL) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,605 miles (2,583 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Ponta Delgada to Paris flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic at roughly 35,000 feet, passing north of the Iberian Peninsula. Around midpoint, you'll be over the Bay of Biscay with no visible landmarks—open ocean. As you approach continental Europe, the Pyrenees mountains may be visible to the south on clear days (appearing as a distant ridge on the horizon), and the Loire Valley's river system becomes visible during descent into French airspace. The flight generally follows a great-circle route that keeps the Atlantic to the north and Spain/France to the south.