Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery: the Sea of Marmara and Istanbul's coastal geography on departure, then the Atlantic crossing offers open ocean views, and finally the St. Lawrence River approach is visible from both sides equally. Right wins on the departure segment, which provides the most distinctive visual interest.
Flown SAW to YUL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Pendik, Istanbul to Montreal is 4,815 miles (7,750 km), a flight of about 10 hours 15 minutes.
Greenland's eastern coast (Davis Strait region), Labrador coastline, Hudson Strait approaches, Canadian Arctic archipelago islands in far distance, Atlantic Ocean throughout the majority of the flight path
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from SAW
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Sea of Marmara and the Asian coastline of Istanbul during the initial climb. The airport sits on the eastern shore, so rightward departure patterns expose the water body and Pendik district immediately after takeoff.

Landing at YUL
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of the St. Lawrence River, Montreal's downtown core, and the surrounding Laurentian landscape during approach. Montreal-Trudeau sits west of the city, so the descent path brings left-side passengers over the river valley and urban area.
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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 Montreal International Dorval (YUL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Pendik, Istanbul to Montreal. Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery: the Sea of Marmara and Istanbul's coastal geography on departure, then the Atlantic crossing offers open ocean views, and finally the St. Lawrence River approach is visible from both sides equally. Right wins on the departure segment, which provides the most distinctive visual interest.
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 coastline of Istanbul during the initial climb. The airport sits on the eastern shore, so rightward departure patterns expose the water body and Pendik district immediately after takeoff. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Pendik waterfront, Asian Istanbul coastline, Prince Islands (Kızıl Adalar) in the distance.
What can I see when landing at Montreal International Dorval in Montreal?
When landing at Montreal International Dorval (YUL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the St. Lawrence River, Montreal's downtown core, and the surrounding Laurentian landscape during approach. Montreal-Trudeau sits west of the city, so the descent path brings left-side passengers over the river valley and urban area. Notable sights include: St. Lawrence River, Montreal downtown skyline, Mount Royal, Laurentian foothills to the north.
How long is the flight from Pendik, Istanbul to Montreal?
The flight from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to Montreal International Dorval (YUL) takes about 10 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,815 miles (7,750 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Pendik, Istanbul to Montreal flight path pass over?
Greenland's eastern coast (Davis Strait region), Labrador coastline, Hudson Strait approaches, Canadian Arctic archipelago islands in far distance, Atlantic Ocean throughout the majority of the flight path