Palermo to Rotterdam is 1,040 miles (1,674 km), a flight of about 3 hours.
Right-side seats win overall because the takeoff scenery from Palermo is more visually distinctive (Mediterranean coast, Aeolian Islands, open sea) than the landing approach, which is primarily flat polders. The flight path itself crosses the Mediterranean and Alps, but these are best seen from the right during the early climb phase.
Flight Path
The flight crosses the Mediterranean Sea for roughly 1 hour, then passes over southern France (Provence region visible around cruise altitude), the Rhône Valley, and the Alps. The Alps appear as a distant ridge of peaks on the horizon during the midpoint of the flight. After crossing the Alps, the aircraft descends over eastern France and into the Low Countries, crossing the Rhine before final approach to Rotterdam.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PMO
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Tyrrhenian Sea and the northern coast of Sicily as you climb out. The aircraft departs northwestward, so right-side passengers get immediate views of the Mediterranean coastline and the Aeolian Islands in the distance.
Landing at RTM
LEFTLeft-side seats offer the best views during approach to Rotterdam. The aircraft descends from the southeast over the Rhine-Meuse Delta, and left-side passengers see the intricate network of rivers, polders, and waterways that characterize the Dutch landscape before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Falcone–Borsellino Airport (PMO) to Rotterdam (RTM)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Palermo to Rotterdam. Right-side seats win overall because the takeoff scenery from Palermo is more visually distinctive (Mediterranean coast, Aeolian Islands, open sea) than the landing approach, which is primarily flat polders. The flight path itself crosses the Mediterranean and Alps, but these are best seen from the right during the early climb phase.
What can I see during takeoff from Falcone–Borsellino Airport in Palermo?
During takeoff from Falcone–Borsellino Airport (PMO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Tyrrhenian Sea and the northern coast of Sicily as you climb out. The aircraft departs northwestward, so right-side passengers get immediate views of the Mediterranean coastline and the Aeolian Islands in the distance. Notable sights include: Tyrrhenian Sea, Mondello Beach (northwest of Palermo), Aeolian Islands (visible as small peaks on the horizon), Palermo harbor and city grid.
What can I see when landing at Rotterdam in Rotterdam?
When landing at Rotterdam (RTM), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best views during approach to Rotterdam. The aircraft descends from the southeast over the Rhine-Meuse Delta, and left-side passengers see the intricate network of rivers, polders, and waterways that characterize the Dutch landscape before touchdown. Notable sights include: Rhine-Meuse Delta (extensive polder system), Meuse River, New Waterway shipping channel, Rotterdam harbor and container terminals.
How long is the flight from Palermo to Rotterdam?
The flight from Falcone–Borsellino Airport (PMO) to Rotterdam (RTM) takes about 3 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 1,040 miles (1,674 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Palermo to Rotterdam flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Mediterranean Sea for roughly 1 hour, then passes over southern France (Provence region visible around cruise altitude), the Rhône Valley, and the Alps. The Alps appear as a distant ridge of peaks on the horizon during the midpoint of the flight. After crossing the Alps, the aircraft descends over eastern France and into the Low Countries, crossing the Rhine before final approach to Rotterdam.