Right seats capture superior views on both legs: Mount Hood and Cascades during PDX departure (if departing westbound initially), and the iconic Sydney Harbour, Blue Mountains, and coastal geography during SYD arrival. The landing view is particularly rewarding.
Flown PDX to SYD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Portland to Sydney is 7,679 miles (12,358 km), a flight of about 14 hours.
The route crosses the North Pacific, passing south of the Aleutian Islands and north of Hawaii. At cruise altitude, you'll see open ocean for most of the journey. Approaching Australia, the flight passes over the Coral Sea and Great Barrier Reef region (visible on clear days as turquoise water and reef patterns), then the Queensland coast near Cairns or further south depending on routing. The final approach descends over New South Wales coastal ranges and the Sydney metropolitan area.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PDX
LEFTPDX typically departs to the north on Runway 10L/10R. Left-side seats face west initially, giving views of the Cascade Range and Mount Hood as you climb. Right seats face the Columbia River valley but with less dramatic terrain.
Landing at SYD
RIGHTSYD uses Runways 07L/07R for most arrivals. Right-side seats on approach from the north face east, providing views of Sydney Harbour, the Blue Mountains to the west, and the coastal geography. Left seats see the inland western suburbs.
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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 Portland International (PDX) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Portland to Sydney. Right seats capture superior views on both legs: Mount Hood and Cascades during PDX departure (if departing westbound initially), and the iconic Sydney Harbour, Blue Mountains, and coastal geography during SYD arrival. The landing view is particularly rewarding.
What can I see during takeoff from Portland International in Portland?
During takeoff from Portland International (PDX), sit on the Left side for the best views. PDX typically departs to the north on Runway 10L/10R. Left-side seats face west initially, giving views of the Cascade Range and Mount Hood as you climb. Right seats face the Columbia River valley but with less dramatic terrain. Notable sights include: Mount Hood (11,240 ft, visible 50+ miles southeast), Cascade Range ridgeline, Columbia River gorge to the north, Willamette Valley agricultural plains spreading south.
What can I see when landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport in Sydney?
When landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), sit on the Right side for the best views. SYD uses Runways 07L/07R for most arrivals. Right-side seats on approach from the north face east, providing views of Sydney Harbour, the Blue Mountains to the west, and the coastal geography. Left seats see the inland western suburbs. Notable sights include: Sydney Harbour with its distinctive headlands and bridge structure, Blue Mountains rising inland to the west, Tasman Sea to the east, coastal suburbs and beaches of the Northern Beaches.
How long is the flight from Portland to Sydney?
The flight from Portland International (PDX) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) takes about 14 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 7,679 miles (12,358 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Portland to Sydney flight path pass over?
The route crosses the North Pacific, passing south of the Aleutian Islands and north of Hawaii. At cruise altitude, you'll see open ocean for most of the journey. Approaching Australia, the flight passes over the Coral Sea and Great Barrier Reef region (visible on clear days as turquoise water and reef patterns), then the Queensland coast near Cairns or further south depending on routing. The final approach descends over New South Wales coastal ranges and the Sydney metropolitan area.