While left dominates the departure, right-side seats capture the more dramatic and detailed arrival sequence over Taipei's urban landscape and surrounding geography. The approach views are more visually rewarding than the departure corridor.
Flown YVR to TSA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Vancouver to Taipei is 5,949 miles (9,574 km), a flight of about 11 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses the North Pacific, passing east of Japan (typically 200+ miles north of Honshu depending on routing), with views of open ocean and occasional cloud formations. No significant landmasses are visible during the midpoint 8-hour segment. Aircraft typically cruise at 35,000-41,000 feet where individual geographic features are not distinguishable. The approach to Taiwan begins over the Taiwan Strait, where the coastline of mainland China becomes visible on the left (western) horizon before the aircraft turns toward Taipei's northern approach corridor.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from YVR
LEFTYVR typically departs to the west or northwest over the Strait of Georgia. Left-side seats capture the North Shore Mountains immediately after rotation, with clear views of the coastal geography that defines the climb-out corridor.
Landing at TSA
RIGHTApproaching Taipei from the northeast, aircraft descend over the Taiwan Strait and approach from the north. Right-side seats offer views of the Taipei Basin, the Keelung River valley, and the urban sprawl of Taipei and Taoyuan as the aircraft lines up for Sungshan's runway. The city's grid pattern and surrounding geography become increasingly detailed.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Vancouver International (YVR) to Sungshan (TSA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Vancouver to Taipei. While left dominates the departure, right-side seats capture the more dramatic and detailed arrival sequence over Taipei's urban landscape and surrounding geography. The approach views are more visually rewarding than the departure corridor.
What can I see during takeoff from Vancouver International in Vancouver?
During takeoff from Vancouver International (YVR), sit on the Left side for the best views. YVR typically departs to the west or northwest over the Strait of Georgia. Left-side seats capture the North Shore Mountains immediately after rotation, with clear views of the coastal geography that defines the climb-out corridor. Notable sights include: North Shore Mountains (Grouse, Seymour peaks), Strait of Georgia, Bowen Island, Vancouver Island distant horizon.
What can I see when landing at Sungshan in Taipei?
When landing at Sungshan (TSA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Approaching Taipei from the northeast, aircraft descend over the Taiwan Strait and approach from the north. Right-side seats offer views of the Taipei Basin, the Keelung River valley, and the urban sprawl of Taipei and Taoyuan as the aircraft lines up for Sungshan's runway. The city's grid pattern and surrounding geography become increasingly detailed. Notable sights include: Taipei Basin urban area, Keelung River, Yangmingshan National Park (northern rim), Taiwan Strait.
How long is the flight from Vancouver to Taipei?
The flight from Vancouver International (YVR) to Sungshan (TSA) takes about 11 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,949 miles (9,574 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Vancouver to Taipei flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Pacific, passing east of Japan (typically 200+ miles north of Honshu depending on routing), with views of open ocean and occasional cloud formations. No significant landmasses are visible during the midpoint 8-hour segment. Aircraft typically cruise at 35,000-41,000 feet where individual geographic features are not distinguishable. The approach to Taiwan begins over the Taiwan Strait, where the coastline of mainland China becomes visible on the left (western) horizon before the aircraft turns toward Taipei's northern approach corridor.