The right side offers the only meaningful land-based scenery on this short inter-island hop — Sao Miguel's volcanic caldera during takeoff and Corvo Island during the Flores approach — while the left side is dominated by featureless open ocean for nearly the entire flight.
Flown PDL to FLW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Ponta Delgada to Flores is 316 miles (509 km), a flight of about 1 hour 10 minutes.
Open Atlantic Ocean between the central and western Azores island groups, with no land visible at cruise altitude
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from PDL
RIGHTDeparting PDL on runway 30, the climb-out curves toward the open Atlantic, but the right side gives a clear view back over Sao Miguel's volcanic interior, including the green Sete Cidades caldera and the forested slopes toward Lagoa do Fogo. The left side shows mostly open ocean immediately after rotation.
Landing at FLW
RIGHTOn approach into FLW, the aircraft typically tracks in from the east before aligning with the north-south runway, giving right-side passengers a view of Corvo Island's steep volcanic cone rising from the sea just north of Flores. The left side mostly faces open ocean with no other islands visible.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ponta Delgada (PDL) to Flores (FLW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Ponta Delgada to Flores. The right side offers the only meaningful land-based scenery on this short inter-island hop — Sao Miguel's volcanic caldera during takeoff and Corvo Island during the Flores approach — while the left side is dominated by featureless open ocean for nearly the entire flight.
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. Departing PDL on runway 30, the climb-out curves toward the open Atlantic, but the right side gives a clear view back over Sao Miguel's volcanic interior, including the green Sete Cidades caldera and the forested slopes toward Lagoa do Fogo. The left side shows mostly open ocean immediately after rotation. Notable sights include: Sete Cidades caldera, Lagoa do Fogo, Sao Miguel's north coastal cliffs.
What can I see when landing at Flores in Flores?
When landing at Flores (FLW), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into FLW, the aircraft typically tracks in from the east before aligning with the north-south runway, giving right-side passengers a view of Corvo Island's steep volcanic cone rising from the sea just north of Flores. The left side mostly faces open ocean with no other islands visible. Notable sights include: Corvo Island volcanic cone, Flores' cliffside coastline, Rocha dos Bordoes basalt formations.
How long is the flight from Ponta Delgada to Flores?
The flight from Ponta Delgada (PDL) to Flores (FLW) takes about 1 hour 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 316 miles (509 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Ponta Delgada to Flores flight path pass over?
Open Atlantic Ocean between the central and western Azores island groups, with no land visible at cruise altitude