The right side wins mainly on the strength of the Sydney Harbour departure, one of the most recognizable urban scenic moments in aviation, which outweighs the modest Dallas skyline glimpse on landing. Both sides share the same many hours of open Pacific Ocean during cruise, so the takeoff spectacle tips the balance.
Flight Path
The route crosses thousands of miles of open Pacific Ocean with no land in sight for most of the flight, passing well south of Fiji and north of French Polynesia before making landfall on the North American coast, after which it crosses the arid Southwest and Great Plains toward Texas.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from SYD
RIGHTDeparting Sydney to the east, the aircraft climbs out on the northerly runway and banks right to head out over the Tasman/Pacific, swinging the harbour into view on the right side. Passengers get a brief but iconic look at the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and the northern beaches coastline before the coast falls away.
Landing at DFW
LEFTOn the descent into DFW, arrivals commonly join from the north and turn to align with the south-facing runways, putting downtown Dallas and its lakes on the left side of the aircraft. The right side mainly faces the flatter Fort Worth suburbs and open fields.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) to Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sydney to Dallas-Fort Worth. The right side wins mainly on the strength of the Sydney Harbour departure, one of the most recognizable urban scenic moments in aviation, which outweighs the modest Dallas skyline glimpse on landing. Both sides share the same many hours of open Pacific Ocean during cruise, so the takeoff spectacle tips the balance.
What can I see during takeoff from Kingsford Smith International Airport in Sydney?
During takeoff from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Sydney to the east, the aircraft climbs out on the northerly runway and banks right to head out over the Tasman/Pacific, swinging the harbour into view on the right side. Passengers get a brief but iconic look at the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and the northern beaches coastline before the coast falls away. Notable sights include: Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and CBD skyline, Manly and the northern beaches coastline, Pacific coastline receding to the horizon.
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. On the descent into DFW, arrivals commonly join from the north and turn to align with the south-facing runways, putting downtown Dallas and its lakes on the left side of the aircraft. The right side mainly faces the flatter Fort Worth suburbs and open fields. Notable sights include: Downtown Dallas skyline (Reunion Tower, Bank of America Plaza), White Rock Lake, Lake Ray Hubbard, flat North Texas farmland and suburban grid.
How long is the flight from Sydney to Dallas-Fort Worth?
The flight from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) to Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW) takes 15h 25m.
What does the Sydney to Dallas-Fort Worth flight path pass over?
The route crosses thousands of miles of open Pacific Ocean with no land in sight for most of the flight, passing well south of Fiji and north of French Polynesia before making landfall on the North American coast, after which it crosses the arid Southwest and Great Plains toward Texas.