The right side wins on the strength of two strong bookends: a glimpse of the Shanghai skyline at departure and a genuinely spectacular Sydney Harbour approach at the end, while the cruise portion over the Philippine Sea and Coral Sea is largely featureless open water for both sides.
Flown PVG to SYD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Shanghai to Sydney is 4,887 miles (7,865 km), a flight of about 10 hours 45 minutes.
Luzon Strait near Taiwan, Philippine Sea, northern coast of Papua New Guinea, Coral Sea
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PVG
RIGHTDeparting PVG toward the south, the right (west-facing) side gives a brief but recognizable view of the Shanghai skyline and Huangpu River as the aircraft climbs out over Pudong, before the city gives way to the patchwork farmland south of the city. The left side only sees the flat coastal flatlands and Hangzhou Bay haze.
Landing at SYD
RIGHTOn arrival into Sydney from the north, flights descending toward the harbor-side runways typically track down the coast past Palm Beach and Manly before turning over Sydney Harbour, putting the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and CBD skyline on the right side of the aircraft. The left side mainly shows open Tasman Sea and the eastern suburbs coastline.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to Sydney. The right side wins on the strength of two strong bookends: a glimpse of the Shanghai skyline at departure and a genuinely spectacular Sydney Harbour approach at the end, while the cruise portion over the Philippine Sea and Coral Sea is largely featureless open water for both sides.
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 toward the south, the right (west-facing) side gives a brief but recognizable view of the Shanghai skyline and Huangpu River as the aircraft climbs out over Pudong, before the city gives way to the patchwork farmland south of the city. The left side only sees the flat coastal flatlands and Hangzhou Bay haze. Notable sights include: Lujiazui skyline (Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower), Huangpu River, Hangzhou Bay coastline.
What can I see when landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport in Sydney?
When landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), sit on the Right side for the best views. On arrival into Sydney from the north, flights descending toward the harbor-side runways typically track down the coast past Palm Beach and Manly before turning over Sydney Harbour, putting the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and CBD skyline on the right side of the aircraft. The left side mainly shows open Tasman Sea and the eastern suburbs coastline. Notable sights include: Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Sydney CBD skyline, Manly/North Head headland.
How long is the flight from Shanghai to Sydney?
The flight from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) takes about 10 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,887 miles (7,865 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Shanghai to Sydney flight path pass over?
Luzon Strait near Taiwan, Philippine Sea, northern coast of Papua New Guinea, Coral Sea