The left side wins overall due to the spectacular Alpine departure view from Zurich, which is one of the most visually dramatic climb-outs in European aviation. The Dallas arrival on the right is good but the flat Texas terrain is far less compelling than the Swiss Alps and Lake Zurich.
Flown ZRH to DFW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Zurich to Dallas-Fort Worth is 5,228 miles (8,413 km), a flight of about 10 hours 30 minutes.
The flight tracks northwest over France and the English Channel, then across southern England before heading out over the North Atlantic. The transatlantic portion passes south of Greenland and Iceland. Over Canada, the route crosses Newfoundland and Quebec. Entering the US, the flight passes over the Great Lakes region, then descends across the central US plains through Missouri, Oklahoma, and into north Texas. The Atlantic crossing and Canadian Maritime coastline are the most geographically notable midpoint features.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ZRH
LEFTZurich typically departs westbound on runway 16/28, and a left-side seat gives you a clear view south toward the Alps as you climb out. You'll see Lake Zurich stretching southeast and the Glarus Alps beyond. Right side faces north toward the Zurich urban sprawl and the Jura foothills, which is far less dramatic.
Landing at DFW
RIGHTDFW typically lands from the east or northeast on runways oriented north-south. A right-side seat on approach from the east gives you a view south and southwest over the Dallas skyline and the sprawling Fort Worth metro. Left side faces north toward less distinctive suburban terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Zurich (ZRH) to Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Zurich to Dallas-Fort Worth. The left side wins overall due to the spectacular Alpine departure view from Zurich, which is one of the most visually dramatic climb-outs in European aviation. The Dallas arrival on the right is good but the flat Texas terrain is far less compelling than the Swiss Alps and Lake Zurich.
What can I see during takeoff from Zurich in Zurich?
During takeoff from Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Zurich typically departs westbound on runway 16/28, and a left-side seat gives you a clear view south toward the Alps as you climb out. You'll see Lake Zurich stretching southeast and the Glarus Alps beyond. Right side faces north toward the Zurich urban sprawl and the Jura foothills, which is far less dramatic. Notable sights include: Lake Zurich, Glarus Alps, Zurichsee shoreline towns, Uetliberg ridge.
What can I see when landing at Dallas Fort Worth International in Dallas-Fort Worth?
When landing at Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW), sit on the Right side for the best views. DFW typically lands from the east or northeast on runways oriented north-south. A right-side seat on approach from the east gives you a view south and southwest over the Dallas skyline and the sprawling Fort Worth metro. Left side faces north toward less distinctive suburban terrain. Notable sights include: Dallas downtown skyline, Fort Worth skyline, Lake Grapevine, Trinity River corridor.
How long is the flight from Zurich to Dallas-Fort Worth?
The flight from Zurich (ZRH) to Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW) takes about 10 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,228 miles (8,413 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Zurich to Dallas-Fort Worth flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northwest over France and the English Channel, then across southern England before heading out over the North Atlantic. The transatlantic portion passes south of Greenland and Iceland. Over Canada, the route crosses Newfoundland and Quebec. Entering the US, the flight passes over the Great Lakes region, then descends across the central US plains through Missouri, Oklahoma, and into north Texas. The Atlantic crossing and Canadian Maritime coastline are the most geographically notable midpoint features.