Right-side seats offer superior scenic value for the full journey. Takeoff provides dramatic views of the Yangtze estuary and Hangzhou Bay. During cruise over Central Asia, right-side seats face the Tian Shan and Pamir mountain ranges. Landing into Barcelona from the southwest favors left seats, but the extended takeoff sequence and mid-flight mountain views from the right side make it the overall winner.
Flown PVG to BCN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Shanghai to Barcelona is 6,129 miles (9,864 km), a flight of about 11 hours 15 minutes.
Tian Shan mountain range (Kazakhstan/Kyrgyzstan border), Pamir Mountains (Tajikistan), Caspian Sea (southern portion), Caucasus Mountains (Georgia/Azerbaijan), Black Sea, Balkans, Alps (southern approaches to Barcelona)
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PVG
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Yangtze River estuary and Hangzhou Bay as the aircraft climbs eastward over the Shanghai metropolitan area. The river's distinctive braided delta pattern and the bay's coastline are prominent features during the initial climb-out phase.
Landing at BCN
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Barcelona. You'll see the Pyrenees mountain range to the northwest, the Montserrat massif inland, and the Mediterranean coastline approaching the airport. The approach typically comes from the southwest over the sea.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Barcelona (BCN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to Barcelona. Right-side seats offer superior scenic value for the full journey. Takeoff provides dramatic views of the Yangtze estuary and Hangzhou Bay. During cruise over Central Asia, right-side seats face the Tian Shan and Pamir mountain ranges. Landing into Barcelona from the southwest favors left seats, but the extended takeoff sequence and mid-flight mountain views from the right side make it the overall winner.
What can I see during takeoff from Shanghai Pudong International in Shanghai?
During takeoff from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Yangtze River estuary and Hangzhou Bay as the aircraft climbs eastward over the Shanghai metropolitan area. The river's distinctive braided delta pattern and the bay's coastline are prominent features during the initial climb-out phase. Notable sights include: Yangtze River estuary, Hangzhou Bay, Shanghai urban sprawl, East China Sea coastline.
What can I see when landing at Barcelona in Barcelona?
When landing at Barcelona (BCN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Barcelona. You'll see the Pyrenees mountain range to the northwest, the Montserrat massif inland, and the Mediterranean coastline approaching the airport. The approach typically comes from the southwest over the sea. Notable sights include: Montserrat mountain range, Pyrenees (distant), Mediterranean Sea, Barcelona coastal plain.
How long is the flight from Shanghai to Barcelona?
The flight from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Barcelona (BCN) takes about 11 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,129 miles (9,864 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Shanghai to Barcelona flight path pass over?
Tian Shan mountain range (Kazakhstan/Kyrgyzstan border), Pamir Mountains (Tajikistan), Caspian Sea (southern portion), Caucasus Mountains (Georgia/Azerbaijan), Black Sea, Balkans, Alps (southern approaches to Barcelona)