While takeoff scenery is mild on both sides, the left side wins overall because of the dramatic Alps and Lake Geneva approach into GVA, plus a brief but genuine view of the Tian Shan range early in the route — features with far more visual impact than the flat Central Asian steppe dominating the right-side view for most of the flight.
Flown PVG to GVA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Shanghai to Geneva is 5,755 miles (9,261 km), a flight of about 11 hours 5 minutes.
Tian Shan mountains and Xinjiang basin, Kazakh steppe, Caspian Sea, Caucasus foothills, Black Sea, Balkan mountains before the final Alpine approach
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PVG
RIGHTDeparting PVG on the north-south runways, the initial climb and turn toward the west gives right-side passengers a look back at the Pudong skyline, the mouth of the Yangtze, and the wide tidal flats of Hangzhou Bay before the aircraft settles onto its inland heading. The left side mostly shows flat agricultural plains with little to distinguish it.
Landing at GVA
LEFTOn the standard approach to GVA runway 22, aircraft arrive from the northeast and descend over Lake Geneva with the Alps rising immediately to the south. Left-side passengers get a sustained view of Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks before the final turn onto the runway, while the right side only sees the lower, less dramatic Jura range.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Geneva Cointrin (GVA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to Geneva. While takeoff scenery is mild on both sides, the left side wins overall because of the dramatic Alps and Lake Geneva approach into GVA, plus a brief but genuine view of the Tian Shan range early in the route — features with far more visual impact than the flat Central Asian steppe dominating the right-side view for most of the flight.
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. Departing PVG on the north-south runways, the initial climb and turn toward the west gives right-side passengers a look back at the Pudong skyline, the mouth of the Yangtze, and the wide tidal flats of Hangzhou Bay before the aircraft settles onto its inland heading. The left side mostly shows flat agricultural plains with little to distinguish it. Notable sights include: Pudong skyline, Yangtze River estuary, Hangzhou Bay tidal flats, East China Sea coastline.
What can I see when landing at Geneva Cointrin in Geneva?
When landing at Geneva Cointrin (GVA), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the standard approach to GVA runway 22, aircraft arrive from the northeast and descend over Lake Geneva with the Alps rising immediately to the south. Left-side passengers get a sustained view of Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks before the final turn onto the runway, while the right side only sees the lower, less dramatic Jura range. Notable sights include: Lake Geneva, Mont Blanc massif, Alpine foothills, Jura Mountains (opposite side).
How long is the flight from Shanghai to Geneva?
The flight from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Geneva Cointrin (GVA) takes about 11 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,755 miles (9,261 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Shanghai to Geneva flight path pass over?
Tian Shan mountains and Xinjiang basin, Kazakh steppe, Caspian Sea, Caucasus foothills, Black Sea, Balkan mountains before the final Alpine approach