The left side offers the stronger urban and river scenery during Shanghai's takeoff, plus better chances of seeing rolling terrain and river systems (such as the Ob or Irtysh basins and the low Ural foothills) during the long continental cruise, giving it a slight edge over the right side which is scenic mainly near the Helsinki approach.
Flown PVG to HEL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Shanghai to Helsinki is 4,594 miles (7,394 km), a flight of about 9 hours 40 minutes.
Southern Siberian taiga and steppe, the Ob River basin, and the low, rounded peaks of the southern Ural Mountains marking the Europe-Asia boundary
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PVG
LEFTPVG's runways run north-south, and departures toward the northwest put Shanghai's dense urban core and the Huangpu River on the left side of the aircraft during the initial climb, while the right side faces the flatter, hazier Hangzhou Bay coastline.
Landing at HEL
RIGHTArrivals into HEL commonly land toward the southwest on runway 22, approaching from the northeast over the Gulf of Finland; this puts the scattered granite islands of the Helsinki archipelago and the city's coastline on the right side of the cabin during final descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Helsinki Vantaa (HEL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to Helsinki. The left side offers the stronger urban and river scenery during Shanghai's takeoff, plus better chances of seeing rolling terrain and river systems (such as the Ob or Irtysh basins and the low Ural foothills) during the long continental cruise, giving it a slight edge over the right side which is scenic mainly near the Helsinki approach.
What can I see during takeoff from Shanghai Pudong International in Shanghai?
During takeoff from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Left side for the best views. PVG's runways run north-south, and departures toward the northwest put Shanghai's dense urban core and the Huangpu River on the left side of the aircraft during the initial climb, while the right side faces the flatter, hazier Hangzhou Bay coastline. Notable sights include: Shanghai skyline (Pudong towers), Huangpu River, Yangtze River Delta farmland, Hangzhou Bay coastline (right side, distant).
What can I see when landing at Helsinki Vantaa in Helsinki?
When landing at Helsinki Vantaa (HEL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arrivals into HEL commonly land toward the southwest on runway 22, approaching from the northeast over the Gulf of Finland; this puts the scattered granite islands of the Helsinki archipelago and the city's coastline on the right side of the cabin during final descent. Notable sights include: Helsinki archipelago islands, Gulf of Finland coastline, Helsinki city skyline (South Harbor), forested Finnish countryside.
How long is the flight from Shanghai to Helsinki?
The flight from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Helsinki Vantaa (HEL) takes about 9 hours 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,594 miles (7,394 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Shanghai to Helsinki flight path pass over?
Southern Siberian taiga and steppe, the Ob River basin, and the low, rounded peaks of the southern Ural Mountains marking the Europe-Asia boundary