Right-side seats offer superior scenery for the majority of the flight. The takeoff views of the Sea of Marmara and Istanbul's coastal geography are more dramatic than the landing approach, and the flight path across Turkey and the Balkans favors right-side views of major terrain features.
Flown SAW to STN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Pendik, Istanbul to London is 1,565 miles (2,518 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Aegean Sea (visible from both sides depending on altitude and exact routing), then passes over Greece—the Pindus Mountains and Greek mainland are visible on the right side during cruise. Continuing northwest, the aircraft crosses the Balkans, with the Dinaric Alps visible on the right. The flight then crosses the Adriatic Sea before heading toward central Europe. Major cities like Athens (if routed south) or Thessaloniki (if routed north) may be visible. The final approach into the UK crosses the English Channel and Essex countryside.
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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 during the initial climb-out. The aircraft departs eastbound from Sabiha Gökçen, so right-side passengers see the water body and coastal features immediately after takeoff.
Landing at STN
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the approach to Stansted. The aircraft descends from the northwest, and left-side passengers see the Essex countryside, the River Lea valley, and the gradual transition from rural landscape to the airport's location near Uttlesford.
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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 Stansted (STN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Pendik, Istanbul to London. Right-side seats offer superior scenery for the majority of the flight. The takeoff views of the Sea of Marmara and Istanbul's coastal geography are more dramatic than the landing approach, and the flight path across Turkey and the Balkans favors right-side views of major terrain features.
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 during the initial climb-out. The aircraft departs eastbound from Sabiha Gökçen, so right-side passengers see the water body and coastal features immediately after takeoff. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Pendik waterfront and residential areas, Bosphorus strait (distant, northern view), Asian Istanbul coastline.
What can I see when landing at Stansted in London?
When landing at Stansted (STN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the approach to Stansted. The aircraft descends from the northwest, and left-side passengers see the Essex countryside, the River Lea valley, and the gradual transition from rural landscape to the airport's location near Uttlesford. Notable sights include: Essex countryside and agricultural fields, River Lea valley, Epping Forest (western side), Stansted Airport runways and terminal.
How long is the flight from Pendik, Istanbul to London?
The flight from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to Stansted (STN) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,565 miles (2,518 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Pendik, Istanbul to London flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Aegean Sea (visible from both sides depending on altitude and exact routing), then passes over Greece—the Pindus Mountains and Greek mainland are visible on the right side during cruise. Continuing northwest, the aircraft crosses the Balkans, with the Dinaric Alps visible on the right. The flight then crosses the Adriatic Sea before heading toward central Europe. Major cities like Athens (if routed south) or Thessaloniki (if routed north) may be visible. The final approach into the UK crosses the English Channel and Essex countryside.