While takeoff offers decent views of Istanbul's coastal geography, the landing approach into Boston provides more dramatic and varied scenery—the Atlantic coastline, harbor islands, and iconic skyline are visually superior to the relatively flat Sea of Marmara departure.
Flown SAW to BOS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Pendik, Istanbul to Boston is 4,840 miles (7,790 km), a flight of about 10 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Black Sea (if routed via northern corridor), then over Romania and Hungary, continuing northwest over Austria, Germany, and the North Sea. Notable midpoint features include the Carpathian Mountains (visible as a ridge line if routed south of direct path), the Alps (if skirting southern Germany), and the Atlantic approaches to the UK and Ireland. Most of the transatlantic portion offers open ocean with no significant landmarks; the approach to North America brings views of Newfoundland's coastline and Nova Scotia before reaching New England.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SAW
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Sea of Marmara and the Asian side of Istanbul's urban sprawl during the initial climb-out. The aircraft departs eastbound from Sabiha Gökçen, so right-side passengers see the water body and coastal development immediately after rotation.
Landing at BOS
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the approach into Boston. Aircraft typically descend from the northwest over Massachusetts, and left-side passengers see the Atlantic coastline, Boston Harbor, and the city skyline as the plane turns final approach toward runway 22L/R.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Pendik, Istanbul to Boston. While takeoff offers decent views of Istanbul's coastal geography, the landing approach into Boston provides more dramatic and varied scenery—the Atlantic coastline, harbor islands, and iconic skyline are visually superior to the relatively flat Sea of Marmara departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport in Pendik, Istanbul?
During takeoff from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Sea of Marmara and the Asian side of Istanbul's urban sprawl during the initial climb-out. The aircraft departs eastbound from Sabiha Gökçen, so right-side passengers see the water body and coastal development immediately after rotation. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Pendik district waterfront, Asian Istanbul urban development, Bosphorus strait (distant, northern horizon).
What can I see when landing at General Edward Lawrence Logan International in Boston?
When landing at General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the approach into Boston. Aircraft typically descend from the northwest over Massachusetts, and left-side passengers see the Atlantic coastline, Boston Harbor, and the city skyline as the plane turns final approach toward runway 22L/R. Notable sights include: Atlantic Ocean and New England coastline, Boston Harbor with islands, downtown Boston skyline, Charles River and Back Bay neighborhoods.
How long is the flight from Pendik, Istanbul to Boston?
The flight from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS) takes about 10 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,840 miles (7,790 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Pendik, Istanbul to Boston flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Black Sea (if routed via northern corridor), then over Romania and Hungary, continuing northwest over Austria, Germany, and the North Sea. Notable midpoint features include the Carpathian Mountains (visible as a ridge line if routed south of direct path), the Alps (if skirting southern Germany), and the Atlantic approaches to the UK and Ireland. Most of the transatlantic portion offers open ocean with no significant landmarks; the approach to North America brings views of Newfoundland's coastline and Nova Scotia before reaching New England.