Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Pendik, Istanbul to Sofia. While takeoff offers brief Sea of Marmara views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more sustained and dramatic scenery—the Rila Mountains and Sofia basin are visually striking and occupy a longer portion of the descent. Left seats capture the more memorable part of the journey.

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 coastline of Istanbul during the initial climb-out. The airport sits on the eastern shore, so northwesterly departure routes expose the water body and Bosphorus approaches immediately after takeoff. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus Strait (northern approach), Asian Istanbul coastline, Prince Islands (visible as small landmasses in the strait).

When landing at Sofia (SOF), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Rila Mountains and the approach corridor into Sofia from the southeast. The descent path typically brings aircraft over the Rila range and the Iskar River valley, both prominent on the left during final approach. Notable sights include: Rila Mountains, Iskar River valley, Sofia basin and city grid, Vitosha Mountain (southern backdrop).

The flight from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to Sofia (SOF) takes 1h 15m.

Rhodope Mountains (southern Bulgaria), Maritsa River valley, transition from Turkish highlands to Bulgarian plateau terrain