Route of the day
Loading today's featured route...
Popular Flight RoutesBrowse all →
Explore Popular AirportsBrowse all →
Window seat guides & tools
Book Your Next Flight
🏨 Find Hotels in
Live fares come from our booking partner.
Browse 13,500 routes →Finding the best views for your flight...
Phase by phase
Takeoff from
Landing at
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
When will you be in daylight?
Add your date & time to see the sun position across your entire flight.
✈️ Current Flight Prices
Live fares come from our booking partner.
Browse 13,500 routes →🏨 Find a Place to Stay in
Live fares come from our booking partner.
Browse 13,500 routes →Popular Routes
🛫 Taking Off
🛬 Landing
🏔 Landmarks Visible From This Airport
🏨 Hotels Near
Live fares come from our booking partner.
Browse 13,500 routes →Book Your Next Flight from
Error 404
This page isn’t in the cabin
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Which Side of the Plane?
Which Side of the Plane is a free tool that helps travelers find the best window seat for scenic views on their flight. We analyze geographic features, landmarks, and typical flight paths to recommend whether the left or right side of the aircraft offers better views during takeoff, landing, and throughout the journey.
How do you determine which side has better views?
Our recommendations consider multiple factors: the geographic features near each airport (coastlines, mountains, city skylines), typical runway directions and flight paths, notable landmarks visible from the air, and the position of the sun during different times of day. We analyze both takeoff and landing separately since the best side may differ.
Does it really matter which side I sit on?
Yes, it can make a significant difference! Depending on your route, one side may offer views of famous landmarks, stunning coastlines, mountain ranges, or city skylines while the other side faces open ocean or flat terrain. For example, flying into New York JFK, the right side often offers views of Manhattan's skyline and the Statue of Liberty.
Is the best side the same for takeoff and landing?
Not always. The best side for takeoff depends on your departure airport's surroundings and typical departure routes, while landing views depend on the destination airport's approach paths. Our tool provides separate recommendations for takeoff and landing, plus an overall suggestion if you want to optimize for the entire flight.
How accurate are your recommendations?
Our recommendations are based on typical flight paths and geographic analysis. However, actual views can vary based on weather conditions, specific runway assignments on the day of travel, and airline-specific routing. We provide the statistically best choice, but views are never guaranteed.
Is this service free?
Yes, Which Side of the Plane is completely free. Simply enter your departure and arrival airports to get instant recommendations for the best window seat views on your flight.
Want the full breakdown? Read Left or Right Side of the Plane — How to Pick Your Window Seat.
About This Route
About This Airport
Which side of the plane has the best views landing at Barajas (MAD)?
When landing at Barajas (MAD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Madrid-Barajas typically uses runways 32L/R for landing (heading ~320°), which means final approach comes from the northeast. The right side offers views of central Madrid's urban sprawl and the Manzanares River valley as you descend, while the left side faces the airport's northern industrial zones and less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Manzanares River (winding through Madrid's center), Madrid city grid and high-rise clusters, Retiro Park (visible as green space east of center), Sierra de Guadarrama mountains on distant northern horizon.
What can I see when arriving at Madrid?
Arriving at Barajas in Madrid, passengers on the Right side enjoy views of Manzanares River (winding through Madrid's center), Madrid city grid and high-rise clusters, Retiro Park (visible as green space east of center), Sierra de Guadarrama mountains on distant northern horizon. Madrid-Barajas typically uses runways 32L/R for landing (heading ~320°), which means final approach comes from the northeast. The right side offers views of central Madrid's urban sprawl and the Manzanares River valley as you descend, while the left side faces the airport's northern industrial zones and less distinctive terrain.
What factors affect the best window seat landing at Barajas?
The best window seat landing at Barajas (MAD) depends on several factors: the approach path and runway in use, geographic features around Madrid (mountains, coastlines, city skylines), weather conditions, and time of day. Morning and evening arrivals often offer the best lighting.