There's something magical about looking out an airplane window and seeing the world from 35,000 feet. But not all window seats are created equal. Depending on your route, the difference between the left and right side of the plane can mean the difference between a parking lot view and a jaw-dropping panorama.
How to Pick the Right Side
The key to scenic flying is understanding your route's geography. Here's the general principle: figure out what you want to see, then check which side of the aircraft it'll be on based on your direction of travel.
Tip
Use a flight tracking app to see your exact route. This helps you figure out which side of the plane will face the scenery you want to see.
Top Scenic Routes and Where to Sit
New York to Los Angeles (and Back)
Westbound (JFK → LAX): Sit on the left side (A seats). You'll potentially see the Grand Canyon, the Rocky Mountains, and the Mojave Desert on clear days.
Eastbound (LAX → JFK): Sit on the right side. Same logic in reverse — you'll have the southern landscapes in view.
London to the Mediterranean
Southbound: Sit on the left side for views of the French Alps and the Pyrenees. On flights to Greece or Turkey, the right side offers stunning Adriatic coastline views.
Flights Over the Alps
Any European flight that crosses the Alps is worth a window seat. Routes from London, Paris, or Amsterdam heading to Italy, Croatia, or Greece often pass directly over the Swiss and Austrian Alps. The left side typically gives you better views on southbound flights.
West Coast US Flights
Seattle to San Francisco or Los Angeles: Sit on the right side (window seats on the starboard). On clear days, you'll see the entire Pacific coastline, Mount Rainier, Mount Shasta, and the Golden Gate Bridge on approach.
Hawaiian Flights
From the US West Coast to Hawaii: Sit on the left side for the best chance of seeing the islands as you approach. The volcanic peaks of Maui and the Big Island rising out of the Pacific are unforgettable.
Best Seats on the Plane
Beyond choosing a side, your row matters too.
Avoid the Wing
Seats directly over the wing block a significant portion of your downward view. If scenery is your priority, aim for rows ahead of or behind the wing. Rows 1-10 or 25+ (depending on aircraft) usually give unobstructed views.
Exit Rows Aren't Always Best
Exit row windows sometimes have smaller or misaligned windows. Check your aircraft's seat map before booking.
Front vs. Back
Front seats give you a wider forward view, which is great for seeing landmarks as you approach them. Back seats offer a better angle for looking straight down, which is ideal for coastlines and mountain passes.
Info
After your flight, log which seat you had and rate the view. Over time, you'll build a personal database of the best seats on your most-flown routes. Track your flights to remember every detail.
Timing Matters
The best window seat in the world won't help if you're flying at night. For the most scenic experience:
- Book daytime flights when possible
- Sunrise and sunset flights offer the most dramatic lighting
- Winter flights often have clearer air with less haze
- Morning flights tend to have less cloud cover than afternoon departures
Capture the Moment
If you're going to sit by the window, be ready for it:
- Clean the window with your sleeve before takeoff
- Turn off your reading light to reduce reflections
- Use your phone's camera pressed against the glass to minimize glare
- Shoot video during takeoff and landing for the most dynamic footage
Your Seat, Your Experience
Choosing the right seat transforms a routine flight into an experience. Next time you book, take an extra minute to think about your route, check the aircraft layout, and pick a seat that gives you the best show. The sky is literally the limit.
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