About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Makedonia (SKG) to Orly (ORY)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Thessaloniki to Paris. Left side scores higher due to the dramatic Thessaloniki departure over the Thermaic Gulf and Mount Olympus, plus consistent scenic interest across the cruise phase (Alps, Jura, Swiss lakes). Although the Paris landing on the right is visually engaging, the left side's takeoff advantage and the full-flight alpine crossing through the heart of Europe outweigh the right side's landing appeal. The left side offers greater terrain variety and more recognizable landmarks across the entire 3h 15m flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Makedonia in Thessaloniki?
During takeoff from Makedonia (SKG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side captures Thessaloniki's harbor and the Thermaic Gulf coastline during climb-out, with the Olympus massif visible inland. Right side faces inland toward flat Macedonian plains with minimal visual interest. Notable sights include: Thessaloniki harbor and waterfront, Thermaic Gulf coastline, Mount Olympus (2,918 m) on the inland horizon, Chalkidiki peninsula to the east.
What can I see when landing at Orly in Paris?
When landing at Orly (ORY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers superior approach scenery: the Seine River's distinctive meanders through the Île-de-France region, the Bois de Boulogne and Bois de Vincennes parks, and Paris's urban sprawl create visual richness. Left side faces open farmland and forest with less distinctive features. Notable sights include: Seine River with characteristic loops and meanders, Bois de Boulogne (west of Paris), Bois de Vincennes (southeast of Paris), Paris urban agglomeration and street grid.
How long is the flight from Thessaloniki to Paris?
The flight from Makedonia (SKG) to Orly (ORY) takes 3h 15m.
What does the Thessaloniki to Paris flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Balkans (Serbian and Hungarian plains), then enters the Alps near the Austria-Slovenia border. Notable features include the Danube River valley near Budapest, the Julian Alps (Slovenia), the Swiss Alps (including Mont Blanc visible on clear days), Lake Geneva, and the Jura Mountains before descent into the Paris basin. The Rhône Valley provides a natural corridor through the Alps.