While takeoff from Port Elizabeth offers coastal scenery, the cruise phase over 1 hour 20 minutes of relatively featureless highveld plateau dominates the flight. The right side's advantage during landing approach—viewing the distinctive mining landscape and Johannesburg's northern suburbs—combined with equivalent cruise views, gives it a slight edge. Both sides score equally on the monotonous middle section, but landing scenery tips the balance to the right.
Flown PLZ to HLA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg is 573 miles (922 km), a flight of about 1 hour 20 minutes.
Highveld plateau grassland, sparse settlement pattern, occasional farm roads and small towns (Graaff-Reinet region to the west of direct route), transition from Eastern Cape to Gauteng province, minimal water features except distant vlei wetlands
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from PLZ
LEFTPort Elizabeth's coastal location offers immediate views of Algoa Bay and the Indian Ocean shoreline during initial climb, providing brief but distinctive water scenery. Right side faces inland terrain with less visual interest during departure.
Landing at HLA
RIGHTLanseria's location northwest of Johannesburg means the approach typically descends over the Witwatersrand plateau and suburban sprawl north of the city. Right-side passengers see the transition from open highveld grassland into Johannesburg's northern suburbs and mining-affected terrain. Left side faces open plateau with less distinctive features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Port Elizabeth (PLZ) to Lanseria (HLA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg. While takeoff from Port Elizabeth offers coastal scenery, the cruise phase over 1 hour 20 minutes of relatively featureless highveld plateau dominates the flight. The right side's advantage during landing approach—viewing the distinctive mining landscape and Johannesburg's northern suburbs—combined with equivalent cruise views, gives it a slight edge. Both sides score equally on the monotonous middle section, but landing scenery tips the balance to the right.
What can I see during takeoff from Port Elizabeth in Port Elizabeth?
During takeoff from Port Elizabeth (PLZ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Port Elizabeth's coastal location offers immediate views of Algoa Bay and the Indian Ocean shoreline during initial climb, providing brief but distinctive water scenery. Right side faces inland terrain with less visual interest during departure. Notable sights include: Algoa Bay, Port Elizabeth harbor and beachfront, Indian Ocean coastline, Uitenhage industrial area inland.
What can I see when landing at Lanseria in Johannesburg?
When landing at Lanseria (HLA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Lanseria's location northwest of Johannesburg means the approach typically descends over the Witwatersrand plateau and suburban sprawl north of the city. Right-side passengers see the transition from open highveld grassland into Johannesburg's northern suburbs and mining-affected terrain. Left side faces open plateau with less distinctive features. Notable sights include: Johannesburg northern suburbs, Witwatersrand plateau, mining dumps and tailings (distinctive white/grey mounds), Lanseria airfield and surrounding development.
How long is the flight from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg?
The flight from Port Elizabeth (PLZ) to Lanseria (HLA) takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 573 miles (922 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg flight path pass over?
Highveld plateau grassland, sparse settlement pattern, occasional farm roads and small towns (Graaff-Reinet region to the west of direct route), transition from Eastern Cape to Gauteng province, minimal water features except distant vlei wetlands