The right side wins on both ends of the flight: dramatic Cascade volcano views during departure from PDX, and Taiwan's northern volcanic hills during the descent into TPE, while the left side spends most of takeoff and landing facing open water.
Flown PDX to TPE? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Portland to Taipei is 6,126 miles (9,860 km), a flight of about 13 hours 15 minutes.
Flight path curves north over the Gulf of Alaska and Aleutian Islands, then arcs southwest past the Kamchatka Peninsula and along the Kuril Islands and Japanese coastline before crossing the East China Sea toward Taiwan.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from PDX
RIGHTDepartures off PDX's runway 28 typically turn north toward the Asia routing, putting the Cascade volcanoes on the right side of the aircraft. Passengers get a strong view of Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Rainier rising above the forested Cascade foothills before the plane heads out over open water.
Landing at TPE
RIGHTOn approach into TPE from the northeast, the aircraft descends over Taiwan's northern coastline before turning toward the airport, and the right side offers views of the forested Yangmingshan volcanic hills and the Taipei basin's edge. The left side mostly faces the open Taiwan Strait with little to see.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Portland International (PDX) to Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Portland to Taipei. The right side wins on both ends of the flight: dramatic Cascade volcano views during departure from PDX, and Taiwan's northern volcanic hills during the descent into TPE, while the left side spends most of takeoff and landing facing open water.
What can I see during takeoff from Portland International in Portland?
During takeoff from Portland International (PDX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departures off PDX's runway 28 typically turn north toward the Asia routing, putting the Cascade volcanoes on the right side of the aircraft. Passengers get a strong view of Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Rainier rising above the forested Cascade foothills before the plane heads out over open water. Notable sights include: Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams, Columbia River valley.
What can I see when landing at Chiang Kai Shek International in Taipei?
When landing at Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into TPE from the northeast, the aircraft descends over Taiwan's northern coastline before turning toward the airport, and the right side offers views of the forested Yangmingshan volcanic hills and the Taipei basin's edge. The left side mostly faces the open Taiwan Strait with little to see. Notable sights include: Yangmingshan volcanic range, Taipei basin foothills, northern Taiwan coastline, Taoyuan farmland patchwork.
How long is the flight from Portland to Taipei?
The flight from Portland International (PDX) to Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE) takes about 13 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,126 miles (9,860 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Portland to Taipei flight path pass over?
Flight path curves north over the Gulf of Alaska and Aleutian Islands, then arcs southwest past the Kamchatka Peninsula and along the Kuril Islands and Japanese coastline before crossing the East China Sea toward Taiwan.