Because nearly the entire route is spent over open ocean with little to distinguish either side, the difference comes down to the ends of the flight — and Miami's descent over the Everglades into Biscayne Bay and the city skyline offers slightly richer, more varied scenery than Sydney's brief harbor departure.
Flown SYD to MIA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Sydney to Miami is 9,334 miles (15,022 km), a flight of about 19 hours 45 minutes.
Vast South Pacific Ocean, occasional remote island chains near Fiji or Tonga, open Southern Ocean swells, and the South Atlantic approaching the Florida coast
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SYD
LEFTOn a typical northbound departure from Sydney (34L/34R) the aircraft banks out over the harbor before turning onto its long overwater track, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and the CBD skyline before the coastline falls away into the Pacific.
Landing at MIA
RIGHTArrivals into Miami from the west typically descend over the Everglades before turning onto final for the east-facing runways, and on the right side passengers get a clear view south across Biscayne Bay toward Key Biscayne, Miami Beach's barrier island, and the downtown Miami skyline just before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) to Miami International (MIA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sydney to Miami. Because nearly the entire route is spent over open ocean with little to distinguish either side, the difference comes down to the ends of the flight — and Miami's descent over the Everglades into Biscayne Bay and the city skyline offers slightly richer, more varied scenery than Sydney's brief harbor departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Kingsford Smith International Airport in Sydney?
During takeoff from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), sit on the Left side for the best views. On a typical northbound departure from Sydney (34L/34R) the aircraft banks out over the harbor before turning onto its long overwater track, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and the CBD skyline before the coastline falls away into the Pacific. Notable sights include: Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Sydney CBD skyline, Botany Bay.
What can I see when landing at Miami International in Miami?
When landing at Miami International (MIA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arrivals into Miami from the west typically descend over the Everglades before turning onto final for the east-facing runways, and on the right side passengers get a clear view south across Biscayne Bay toward Key Biscayne, Miami Beach's barrier island, and the downtown Miami skyline just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Everglades wetlands, Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach barrier island, Downtown Miami skyline.
How long is the flight from Sydney to Miami?
The flight from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) to Miami International (MIA) takes about 19 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 9,334 miles (15,022 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Sydney to Miami flight path pass over?
Vast South Pacific Ocean, occasional remote island chains near Fiji or Tonga, open Southern Ocean swells, and the South Atlantic approaching the Florida coast