While takeoff favors the right, the landing approach dominates this route's viewing experience. Left-side seats capture the dramatic descent into the São Paulo basin with the Serra da Cantareira providing genuine geographic interest that right-side seats miss on standard approach paths.
Flown POA to GRU? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Porto Alegre to Sao Paulo is 538 miles (866 km), a flight of about 1 hour 45 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Paraná Plateau's southern edge, passing over the states of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina before entering São Paulo state. Notable features include the Taquari River valley, scattered escarpments of the plateau's edge, and the transition from subtropical to tropical vegetation patterns visible at altitude. The landscape gradually shifts from rolling agricultural terrain to denser urban development as the aircraft approaches the São Paulo metropolitan region.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from POA
RIGHTPOA typically departs runway 32L/32R (northwesterly heading). Right-side seats face toward the Guaíba Estuary and the city's waterfront during initial climb, offering clear views of Porto Alegre's urban sprawl and the water body that defines the city's geography.
Landing at GRU
LEFTGRU (Guarulhos) typically lands on runways 09L/09R (easterly approach) or 27L/27R (westerly). On easterly approaches, left-side seats face south toward the Serra da Cantareira mountain range and the approach path over São Paulo's metropolitan sprawl. On westerly approaches, left seats still capture the city's geography better as the aircraft descends through the São Paulo basin.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Salgado Filho (POA) to Guarulhos (GRU)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Porto Alegre to Sao Paulo. While takeoff favors the right, the landing approach dominates this route's viewing experience. Left-side seats capture the dramatic descent into the São Paulo basin with the Serra da Cantareira providing genuine geographic interest that right-side seats miss on standard approach paths.
What can I see during takeoff from Salgado Filho in Porto Alegre?
During takeoff from Salgado Filho (POA), sit on the Right side for the best views. POA typically departs runway 32L/32R (northwesterly heading). Right-side seats face toward the Guaíba Estuary and the city's waterfront during initial climb, offering clear views of Porto Alegre's urban sprawl and the water body that defines the city's geography. Notable sights include: Guaíba Estuary (immediately below during climb), Porto Alegre city center and Lago Guaíba shoreline, Ponta Grossa peninsula, Atlantic coastal plains extending northward.
What can I see when landing at Guarulhos in Sao Paulo?
When landing at Guarulhos (GRU), sit on the Left side for the best views. GRU (Guarulhos) typically lands on runways 09L/09R (easterly approach) or 27L/27R (westerly). On easterly approaches, left-side seats face south toward the Serra da Cantareira mountain range and the approach path over São Paulo's metropolitan sprawl. On westerly approaches, left seats still capture the city's geography better as the aircraft descends through the São Paulo basin. Notable sights include: Serra da Cantareira (northern mountain range, visible on approach), São Paulo metropolitan area and urban grid, Tietê River valley, Guarulhos industrial zone.
How long is the flight from Porto Alegre to Sao Paulo?
The flight from Salgado Filho (POA) to Guarulhos (GRU) takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 538 miles (866 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Porto Alegre to Sao Paulo flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Paraná Plateau's southern edge, passing over the states of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina before entering São Paulo state. Notable features include the Taquari River valley, scattered escarpments of the plateau's edge, and the transition from subtropical to tropical vegetation patterns visible at altitude. The landscape gradually shifts from rolling agricultural terrain to denser urban development as the aircraft approaches the São Paulo metropolitan region.