Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tirana to Istanbul. The left side delivers the Adriatic coast on departure and the Sea of Marmara plus Istanbul's historic peninsula on approach — both are the scenic highlights of this route. The right side has the Albanian highlands but the left wins on both ends of the flight.

During takeoff from Tirana Rinas (TIA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Rinas Airport typically departs on runway 17 (southbound) or 35 (northbound). On a northeast-bound flight to Istanbul, aircraft often climb out heading east or northeast, putting the Adriatic Sea and Albanian coastal lowlands on the left (west/northwest) and the Albanian Alps and central highlands on the right. However, the left side captures the Adriatic coastline and the lagoon system near Durrës, which is the more visually striking immediate departure view. Notable sights include: Adriatic Sea coastline, Durrës lagoon and port, Lake Tirana (small but visible near the city), Albanian coastal plain.

When landing at Ataturk (IST), sit on the Left side for the best views. Approaching Istanbul from the west, aircraft typically land on Atatürk's runway 06 (eastbound approach over the Sea of Marmara) or 36 (northbound). On an eastbound approach, the left side gives a clear view of the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus strait, and the historic Istanbul peninsula with its distinctive skyline including the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia silhouette. The right side sees the northern suburbs and Black Sea coast but lacks the iconic water and city geometry. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus strait, Istanbul historic peninsula (Sultanahmet area), Princes' Islands in the Marmara.

The flight from Tirana Rinas (TIA) to Ataturk (IST) takes Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 35 minutes.

The flight crosses the southern tip of North Macedonia and into western Bulgaria or northern Greece depending on routing, passing over the Rhodope Mountains and Thrace. The Aegean coast of Greece may be visible to the south. Over Bulgaria and Turkish Thrace the terrain flattens into agricultural plains before the Sea of Marmara comes into view on descent.