The left side wins overall because the Toronto departure view of the CN Tower and Lake Ontario is one of the most iconic urban departure views in North America. The landing advantage on the right is real but narrower. For the bulk of the flight over the Atlantic and Mediterranean, neither side has a decisive advantage, but left-side passengers also get better views of the Greek islands and Aegean Sea as the route passes over the eastern Mediterranean.
Flight Path
The route tracks northeast over Quebec and Newfoundland before crossing the North Atlantic, passing south of Greenland. It then crosses over the UK or Ireland, continues over France and the Alps, crosses the Mediterranean near Greece with views of the Aegean Sea and Greek islands, then passes over Turkey or Cyprus, down through Lebanon and Syria airspace, and into Saudi Arabia from the north. The Alps are visible as a broad white mountain mass from high altitude, and the Aegean island chains are clearly distinguishable on clear days.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from YYZ
LEFTYYZ departures on runway 23 (the most common westerly departure) swing left and southward, putting Lake Ontario and the Toronto downtown skyline on the left side. You get a clear view of the CN Tower, the waterfront, and the lake stretching east toward Hamilton Bay.
Landing at JED
RIGHTKing Abdulaziz International sits just north of Jeddah, and aircraft typically approach from the north or northwest on runway 34L/34R, meaning the right side faces east toward the city and the Red Sea coastline. The right window gives you the Jeddah waterfront, the King Fahd Fountain visible in the Red Sea, and the historic Al-Balad district.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) to King Abdulaziz International (JED)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Toronto to Jeddah. The left side wins overall because the Toronto departure view of the CN Tower and Lake Ontario is one of the most iconic urban departure views in North America. The landing advantage on the right is real but narrower. For the bulk of the flight over the Atlantic and Mediterranean, neither side has a decisive advantage, but left-side passengers also get better views of the Greek islands and Aegean Sea as the route passes over the eastern Mediterranean.
What can I see during takeoff from Lester B Pearson International in Toronto?
During takeoff from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ), sit on the Left side for the best views. YYZ departures on runway 23 (the most common westerly departure) swing left and southward, putting Lake Ontario and the Toronto downtown skyline on the left side. You get a clear view of the CN Tower, the waterfront, and the lake stretching east toward Hamilton Bay. Notable sights include: CN Tower and downtown Toronto skyline, Lake Ontario shoreline, Hamilton Harbour to the southwest, Scarborough Bluffs visible along the eastern lakeshore.
What can I see when landing at King Abdulaziz International in Jeddah?
When landing at King Abdulaziz International (JED), sit on the Right side for the best views. King Abdulaziz International sits just north of Jeddah, and aircraft typically approach from the north or northwest on runway 34L/34R, meaning the right side faces east toward the city and the Red Sea coastline. The right window gives you the Jeddah waterfront, the King Fahd Fountain visible in the Red Sea, and the historic Al-Balad district. Notable sights include: King Fahd Fountain in the Red Sea, Jeddah Corniche waterfront, Al-Balad historic district, Red Sea coastal shallows with distinctive turquoise color.
How long is the flight from Toronto to Jeddah?
The flight from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) to King Abdulaziz International (JED) takes Approximately 12 to 13 hours nonstop.
What does the Toronto to Jeddah flight path pass over?
The route tracks northeast over Quebec and Newfoundland before crossing the North Atlantic, passing south of Greenland. It then crosses over the UK or Ireland, continues over France and the Alps, crosses the Mediterranean near Greece with views of the Aegean Sea and Greek islands, then passes over Turkey or Cyprus, down through Lebanon and Syria airspace, and into Saudi Arabia from the north. The Alps are visible as a broad white mountain mass from high altitude, and the Aegean island chains are clearly distinguishable on clear days.