The landing approach into Taipei offers superior geography—the Taiwan Strait, northern Taiwan coast, and the dramatic descent into Taipei Basin are far more visually distinctive than the takeoff from RDU. The approach provides continuous scenic interest over water and mountainous terrain.
Flown RDU to TSA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Raleigh-Durham to Taipei is 8,021 miles (12,909 km), a flight of about 16 hours 30 minutes.
Over the Pacific Ocean, the flight path crosses the International Date Line and passes north of Hawaii (typically not visible unless routing changes). Approaching Taiwan, the flight descends over the Philippine Sea and enters the Taiwan Strait, with views of the northern Taiwan coast, Keelung area, and the Central Mountain Range becoming visible during the final descent phase.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from RDU
RIGHTRDU typically departs to the north or northeast. Right-side seats offer views of the Neuse River valley and the transition from Piedmont terrain toward the Coastal Plain. Left side faces inland toward the western Piedmont with fewer distinctive features during climb-out.
Landing at TSA
LEFTTaipei approaches from the west or northwest into Sungshan. Left-side seats provide views of the Taiwan Strait, the northern coast of Taiwan, and the descent path over Taipei Basin. Right side faces inland toward the Central Mountain Range, which obscures the approach corridor and coastal geography.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Raleigh Durham International (RDU) to Sungshan (TSA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Raleigh-Durham to Taipei. The landing approach into Taipei offers superior geography—the Taiwan Strait, northern Taiwan coast, and the dramatic descent into Taipei Basin are far more visually distinctive than the takeoff from RDU. The approach provides continuous scenic interest over water and mountainous terrain.
What can I see during takeoff from Raleigh Durham International in Raleigh-Durham?
During takeoff from Raleigh Durham International (RDU), sit on the Right side for the best views. RDU typically departs to the north or northeast. Right-side seats offer views of the Neuse River valley and the transition from Piedmont terrain toward the Coastal Plain. Left side faces inland toward the western Piedmont with fewer distinctive features during climb-out. Notable sights include: Neuse River (visible as a winding waterway below), Jordan Lake (if northbound departure), Raleigh-Durham urban sprawl transitioning to forested Piedmont, I-40 corridor running east-west.
What can I see when landing at Sungshan in Taipei?
When landing at Sungshan (TSA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Taipei approaches from the west or northwest into Sungshan. Left-side seats provide views of the Taiwan Strait, the northern coast of Taiwan, and the descent path over Taipei Basin. Right side faces inland toward the Central Mountain Range, which obscures the approach corridor and coastal geography. Notable sights include: Taiwan Strait (visible as open water during approach), Taipei 101 and downtown Taipei skyline, Keelung River valley, northern Taiwan coast with Jiufen and Keelung visible.
How long is the flight from Raleigh-Durham to Taipei?
The flight from Raleigh Durham International (RDU) to Sungshan (TSA) takes about 16 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 8,021 miles (12,909 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Raleigh-Durham to Taipei flight path pass over?
Over the Pacific Ocean, the flight path crosses the International Date Line and passes north of Hawaii (typically not visible unless routing changes). Approaching Taiwan, the flight descends over the Philippine Sea and enters the Taiwan Strait, with views of the northern Taiwan coast, Keelung area, and the Central Mountain Range becoming visible during the final descent phase.