Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During the transatlantic cruise at 35,000 feet over the open North Atlantic and southern Greenland tip, neither side has a decisive advantage, but the left side offers slightly better angles on the southern Greenland ice sheet and Iceland if the routing passes near it. Combined with the superior Montreal departure and Frankfurt arrival views, left is the clear choice for the full journey.
Flown YUL to FRA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Montreal to Frankfurt is 3,638 miles (5,855 km), a flight of about 7 hours 45 minutes.
The flight tracks northeast from Montreal over the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Newfoundland, then crosses the North Atlantic on a great circle route. Depending on winds, the routing often passes south of Greenland near Cape Farewell, where the southern Greenland ice sheet and fjords may be visible. The flight then crosses Ireland and the UK, passing over or near Shannon, then tracks across southern England or the English Channel before descending into the Rhine-Main basin over Belgium and western Germany.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from YUL
LEFTYUL's primary departure runway 24L sends aircraft southwest before turning northeast toward the Atlantic. A left-side seat captures the Montreal island, the St. Lawrence River, and the downtown skyline as the aircraft banks right over the city. The broad St. Lawrence and the Laurentian foothills to the north are clearly visible on the left during climb-out.
Landing at FRA
LEFTFrankfurt airport typically uses runways 25L/25C for westerly landings, with the approach coming from the east over the Rhine-Main plain. A left-side seat on approach from the east gives views of the Frankfurt skyline to the north-left, the Rhine River valley, and the Taunus hills beyond the city. Right side faces south toward flat agricultural land with less visual interest.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Montreal International Dorval (YUL) to Frankfurt Main (FRA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Montreal to Frankfurt. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During the transatlantic cruise at 35,000 feet over the open North Atlantic and southern Greenland tip, neither side has a decisive advantage, but the left side offers slightly better angles on the southern Greenland ice sheet and Iceland if the routing passes near it. Combined with the superior Montreal departure and Frankfurt arrival views, left is the clear choice for the full journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Montreal International Dorval in Montreal?
During takeoff from Montreal International Dorval (YUL), sit on the Left side for the best views. YUL's primary departure runway 24L sends aircraft southwest before turning northeast toward the Atlantic. A left-side seat captures the Montreal island, the St. Lawrence River, and the downtown skyline as the aircraft banks right over the city. The broad St. Lawrence and the Laurentian foothills to the north are clearly visible on the left during climb-out. Notable sights include: Montreal island and downtown skyline, St. Lawrence River broadening toward Lac Saint-Pierre, Laurentian Mountains to the north, Île de Montréal highway grid.
What can I see when landing at Frankfurt Main in Frankfurt?
When landing at Frankfurt Main (FRA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Frankfurt airport typically uses runways 25L/25C for westerly landings, with the approach coming from the east over the Rhine-Main plain. A left-side seat on approach from the east gives views of the Frankfurt skyline to the north-left, the Rhine River valley, and the Taunus hills beyond the city. Right side faces south toward flat agricultural land with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Frankfurt city skyline (Bankenviertel towers), Rhine River valley to the northwest, Taunus hills north of Frankfurt, Main River winding through the city.
How long is the flight from Montreal to Frankfurt?
The flight from Montreal International Dorval (YUL) to Frankfurt Main (FRA) takes about 7 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,638 miles (5,855 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Montreal to Frankfurt flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast from Montreal over the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Newfoundland, then crosses the North Atlantic on a great circle route. Depending on winds, the routing often passes south of Greenland near Cape Farewell, where the southern Greenland ice sheet and fjords may be visible. The flight then crosses Ireland and the UK, passing over or near Shannon, then tracks across southern England or the English Channel before descending into the Rhine-Main basin over Belgium and western Germany.