While takeoff from Ponta Delgada favors the right, the landing approach into Zurich offers more dramatic scenery with the Alps visible on the left. The Alps provide more visually distinctive features than the Azores' volcanic landscape, making left-side seating the better overall choice for this route.
Flown PDL to ZRH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Ponta Delgada to Zurich is 1,848 miles (2,975 km), a flight of about 4 hours 10 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Atlantic northeastward, passing over open ocean for roughly 3 hours. Notable geographic features along the route include the Bay of Biscay (visible as open water), the Pyrenees mountains on the France-Spain border (visible during the approach to continental Europe), and the Rhine River valley as the aircraft descends toward Switzerland. The Massif Central in south-central France may be visible as distant, low-relief terrain during the mid-flight segment.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from PDL
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the São Miguel island's volcanic landscape and the Atlantic coastline as the aircraft climbs northwestward. The island's central volcanic ridge and surrounding ocean provide the most dramatic scenery during the initial climb.
Landing at ZRH
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views of the Swiss Alps during descent into Zurich. The approach from the northwest brings the Säntis and Appenzell Alps into view on the left, with the Zurich area and surrounding lowlands visible below.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ponta Delgada (PDL) to Zurich (ZRH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Ponta Delgada to Zurich. While takeoff from Ponta Delgada favors the right, the landing approach into Zurich offers more dramatic scenery with the Alps visible on the left. The Alps provide more visually distinctive features than the Azores' volcanic landscape, making left-side seating the better overall choice for this route.
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 the São Miguel island's volcanic landscape and the Atlantic coastline as the aircraft climbs northwestward. The island's central volcanic ridge and surrounding ocean provide the most dramatic scenery during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Pico da Cruz volcanic peak (central São Miguel), Lagoa de Santiago crater lake, Atlantic Ocean coastline, Nordeste peninsula.
What can I see when landing at Zurich in Zurich?
When landing at Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views of the Swiss Alps during descent into Zurich. The approach from the northwest brings the Säntis and Appenzell Alps into view on the left, with the Zurich area and surrounding lowlands visible below. Notable sights include: Säntis mountain (northeastern Alps), Appenzell Alps, Lake Zurich (Zürichsee), Rhine River valley.
How long is the flight from Ponta Delgada to Zurich?
The flight from Ponta Delgada (PDL) to Zurich (ZRH) takes about 4 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,848 miles (2,975 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Ponta Delgada to Zurich flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic northeastward, passing over open ocean for roughly 3 hours. Notable geographic features along the route include the Bay of Biscay (visible as open water), the Pyrenees mountains on the France-Spain border (visible during the approach to continental Europe), and the Rhine River valley as the aircraft descends toward Switzerland. The Massif Central in south-central France may be visible as distant, low-relief terrain during the mid-flight segment.