Both sides score equally for the full flight due to the route's geography: the first half crosses flat North American terrain (Midwest plains, Great Lakes region) with minimal drama on either side, and the second half crosses the Pacific Ocean where neither side offers significant scenery. However, the right side edges ahead on landing approach with views of Beijing's massive urban footprint and the North China Plain's transition from rural to metropolitan landscape, providing more visual interest during the final descent phase.
Flown STL to PEK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
St. Louis to Beijing is 6,730 miles (10,831 km), a flight of about 11 hours 15 minutes.
Great Lakes (Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Superior visible on northbound routing), Canadian Shield and boreal forest, Arctic archipelago or northern Pacific approaches depending on routing, Aleutian Islands (if southern routing), vast Pacific Ocean for 6+ hours with no significant landmarks, approach to Beijing over North China Plain
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from STL
LEFTLeft side (north/northeast) offers views of the Mississippi River valley and St. Louis urban area during initial climb. Right side faces open terrain with fewer immediate landmarks.
Landing at PEK
RIGHTRight side (north/northeast approach) provides views of Beijing's urban sprawl and surrounding North China Plain during descent and approach. Left side faces open plains with minimal urban features until final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lambert St Louis International (STL) to Capital (PEK)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from St. Louis to Beijing. Both sides score equally for the full flight due to the route's geography: the first half crosses flat North American terrain (Midwest plains, Great Lakes region) with minimal drama on either side, and the second half crosses the Pacific Ocean where neither side offers significant scenery. However, the right side edges ahead on landing approach with views of Beijing's massive urban footprint and the North China Plain's transition from rural to metropolitan landscape, providing more visual interest during the final descent phase.
What can I see during takeoff from Lambert St Louis International in St. Louis?
During takeoff from Lambert St Louis International (STL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side (north/northeast) offers views of the Mississippi River valley and St. Louis urban area during initial climb. Right side faces open terrain with fewer immediate landmarks. Notable sights include: Mississippi River, St. Louis Gateway Arch and downtown skyline, Illinois plains extending eastward.
What can I see when landing at Capital in Beijing?
When landing at Capital (PEK), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side (north/northeast approach) provides views of Beijing's urban sprawl and surrounding North China Plain during descent and approach. Left side faces open plains with minimal urban features until final approach. Notable sights include: Beijing city sprawl and urban development, North China Plain agricultural fields, Ming Tombs ridge to the northwest, Yanshan Mountains on distant horizon.
How long is the flight from St. Louis to Beijing?
The flight from Lambert St Louis International (STL) to Capital (PEK) takes about 11 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,730 miles (10,831 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the St. Louis to Beijing flight path pass over?
Great Lakes (Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Superior visible on northbound routing), Canadian Shield and boreal forest, Arctic archipelago or northern Pacific approaches depending on routing, Aleutian Islands (if southern routing), vast Pacific Ocean for 6+ hours with no significant landmarks, approach to Beijing over North China Plain