While takeoff from Shanghai offers river and skyline views on the right, the landing approach into Dallas-Fort Worth provides more dramatic and extended scenic value with two major city skylines and the Trinity River clearly visible. Left-side seats capture the best of the approach sequence.
Flight Path
This transpacific route crosses the North Pacific Ocean with no significant landmarks visible for roughly 8–10 hours. Typical routing passes north of Hawaii (not visible) and approaches North America over the Pacific coast. Upon reaching the U.S. West Coast, passengers may see the Sierra Nevada mountains, the Great Basin, and the Rocky Mountains during the continental crossing, depending on exact flight path and time of day. The route then descends across the Great Plains toward Texas.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SHA
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Huangpu River winding through central Shanghai and the Pudong skyline during climb-out. The river's distinctive curves and the contrast between developed districts and surrounding areas are clearly visible from 5,000–15,000 feet.
Landing at DFW
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views of the Fort Worth and Dallas skylines during descent, plus the Trinity River and surrounding terrain. The two cities' distinct clusters and the river's path through the metroplex are clearly visible from 10,000–3,000 feet on approach.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Hongqiao International (SHA) to Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to Dallas-Fort Worth. While takeoff from Shanghai offers river and skyline views on the right, the landing approach into Dallas-Fort Worth provides more dramatic and extended scenic value with two major city skylines and the Trinity River clearly visible. Left-side seats capture the best of the approach sequence.
What can I see during takeoff from Hongqiao International in Shanghai?
During takeoff from Hongqiao International (SHA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Huangpu River winding through central Shanghai and the Pudong skyline during climb-out. The river's distinctive curves and the contrast between developed districts and surrounding areas are clearly visible from 5,000–15,000 feet. Notable sights include: Huangpu River, Pudong financial district, Hangzhou Bay to the southeast, Yangtze River estuary.
What can I see when landing at Dallas Fort Worth International in Dallas-Fort Worth?
When landing at Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views of the Fort Worth and Dallas skylines during descent, plus the Trinity River and surrounding terrain. The two cities' distinct clusters and the river's path through the metroplex are clearly visible from 10,000–3,000 feet on approach. Notable sights include: Dallas and Fort Worth skylines, Trinity River, Lake Lewisville to the north, Lake Ray Hubbard to the southeast.
How long is the flight from Shanghai to Dallas-Fort Worth?
The flight from Hongqiao International (SHA) to Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW) takes Approximately 14–15 hours (including typical routing over the Pacific and North America).
What does the Shanghai to Dallas-Fort Worth flight path pass over?
This transpacific route crosses the North Pacific Ocean with no significant landmarks visible for roughly 8–10 hours. Typical routing passes north of Hawaii (not visible) and approaches North America over the Pacific coast. Upon reaching the U.S. West Coast, passengers may see the Sierra Nevada mountains, the Great Basin, and the Rocky Mountains during the continental crossing, depending on exact flight path and time of day. The route then descends across the Great Plains toward Texas.