Both sides spend most of the roughly eight-hour flight over featureless Indian Ocean, but the right side captures the only real scenery of the trip — Perth's skyline at departure and Johannesburg's skyline at arrival.
Flown PER to JNB? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Perth to Johannesburg is 5,163 miles (8,310 km), a flight of about 8 hours 45 minutes.
The route crosses thousands of kilometers of open Indian Ocean with no islands or coastline directly beneath the flight path until the African coast near Mozambique appears shortly before descent into South Africa.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PER
RIGHTDeparting PER on runway 21, the aircraft climbs south over Fremantle before turning west; from the right (north-facing) side passengers get a last look at the Perth CBD skyline, the Swan River, and the Darling Range foothills before the coastline gives way to open ocean.
Landing at JNB
RIGHTOn the descent into JNB from the east, aircraft typically bank toward the southwest for final approach, putting the Johannesburg and Sandton skyline on the right side of the cabin as the highveld plains and mine dumps become visible below.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Perth International (PER) to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Perth to Johannesburg. Both sides spend most of the roughly eight-hour flight over featureless Indian Ocean, but the right side captures the only real scenery of the trip — Perth's skyline at departure and Johannesburg's skyline at arrival.
What can I see during takeoff from Perth International in Perth?
During takeoff from Perth International (PER), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing PER on runway 21, the aircraft climbs south over Fremantle before turning west; from the right (north-facing) side passengers get a last look at the Perth CBD skyline, the Swan River, and the Darling Range foothills before the coastline gives way to open ocean. Notable sights include: Perth CBD skyline, Swan River, Fremantle harbour, Darling Range.
What can I see when landing at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg?
When landing at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the descent into JNB from the east, aircraft typically bank toward the southwest for final approach, putting the Johannesburg and Sandton skyline on the right side of the cabin as the highveld plains and mine dumps become visible below. Notable sights include: Johannesburg CBD skyline, Sandton towers, mine tailings dumps, highveld plains.
How long is the flight from Perth to Johannesburg?
The flight from Perth International (PER) to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) takes about 8 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,163 miles (8,310 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Perth to Johannesburg flight path pass over?
The route crosses thousands of kilometers of open Indian Ocean with no islands or coastline directly beneath the flight path until the African coast near Mozambique appears shortly before descent into South Africa.