Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Pendik, Istanbul to Moscow. The right side scores higher (3.0 vs 2.5) due to greater terrain variety during cruise. While Istanbul's takeoff offers immediate water scenery, the flight path crosses the relatively flat Anatolian plateau and Black Sea coast with limited dramatic features. The right side benefits from the approach into Moscow, which includes the Moscow River valley, transition from forest to urban sprawl, and the airport's infrastructure. The cruise segment over the Black Sea and southern Russia offers more visual interest on the right side with occasional river valleys and forest-steppe transitions.

During takeoff from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Istanbul's Sea of Marmara and Bosphorus strait create immediate water scenery during climb-out from Sabiha Gökçen. The left side captures the eastern shoreline, islands, and urban sprawl of Istanbul's Asian districts before turning north. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus strait, Pendik waterfront, Istanbul urban sprawl.

When landing at Sheremetyevo (SVO), sit on the Right side for the best views. The right side during approach to Sheremetyevo captures the Moscow River valley, suburban sprawl, and the transition from forested landscape to urban infrastructure. The approach path from the south provides views of Moscow's ring roads and the city's eastern districts. Notable sights include: Moscow River valley, suburban Moscow sprawl, forested landscape south of Moscow, Sheremetyevo airport complex.

The flight from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to Sheremetyevo (SVO) takes 3h 15m.

Black Sea coastline (Turkish and Georgian shores), Caucasus Mountains distant to the southeast, Anatolian plateau, southern Russian steppe, Moscow River valley approaching Sheremetyevo