Right side scores higher due to superior landing approach scenery featuring the Sea of Marmara coastline and Istanbul's urban waterfront, combined with decent Moscow departure views. Left side is dominated by flat, featureless terrain during cruise and offers minimal distinctive landmarks throughout the flight. The right side provides more visual variety and recognizable geographic features across all three flight phases.
Flown SVO to SAW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Moscow to Pendik, Istanbul is 1,104 miles (1,777 km), a flight of about 2 hours 50 minutes.
Black Sea coast near Sochi (visible to the right during cruise at altitude), Caucasus Mountains foothills on the right horizon during mid-flight, Anatolian plateau terrain, transition from Russian steppe to Turkish highlands, Pontic Mountains running east-west along Turkey's Black Sea coast
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from SVO
RIGHTRight side captures Moscow's urban sprawl and the Moskva River valley during initial climb. Left side faces open countryside with minimal landmarks during the critical departure phase.
Landing at SAW
RIGHTRight side offers superior approach views of Istanbul's Marmara Sea coastline, the Bosphorus strait entrance, and the Asian side urban landscape. Left side faces open water and lacks distinctive landmarks during the critical descent and approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Sheremetyevo (SVO) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Moscow to Pendik, Istanbul. Right side scores higher due to superior landing approach scenery featuring the Sea of Marmara coastline and Istanbul's urban waterfront, combined with decent Moscow departure views. Left side is dominated by flat, featureless terrain during cruise and offers minimal distinctive landmarks throughout the flight. The right side provides more visual variety and recognizable geographic features across all three flight phases.
What can I see during takeoff from Sheremetyevo in Moscow?
During takeoff from Sheremetyevo (SVO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side captures Moscow's urban sprawl and the Moskva River valley during initial climb. Left side faces open countryside with minimal landmarks during the critical departure phase. Notable sights include: Moskva River winding through Moscow suburbs, Sheremetyevo airport complex itself, suburban residential districts extending northwest, distant tree-covered plains.
What can I see when landing at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport in Pendik, Istanbul?
When landing at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers superior approach views of Istanbul's Marmara Sea coastline, the Bosphorus strait entrance, and the Asian side urban landscape. Left side faces open water and lacks distinctive landmarks during the critical descent and approach. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara's northern coastline, Pendik waterfront and harbor, Istanbul's Asian-side urban development, Bosphorus strait visible in distance to the northwest.
How long is the flight from Moscow to Pendik, Istanbul?
The flight from Sheremetyevo (SVO) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) takes about 2 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,104 miles (1,777 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Moscow to Pendik, Istanbul flight path pass over?
Black Sea coast near Sochi (visible to the right during cruise at altitude), Caucasus Mountains foothills on the right horizon during mid-flight, Anatolian plateau terrain, transition from Russian steppe to Turkish highlands, Pontic Mountains running east-west along Turkey's Black Sea coast