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Top Ten Scenic Routes from the Sky
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I'm not a window guy. At 6'4" I find it horribly uncomfortable to cram myself into the window seat. When I do get stuck there, however, I spend most of the flight with my face pressed against the window like a ten-year old on his first flight.
Naturally some flights are better than others for sightseeing. The Telegraph (UK) interviewed ten pilots to find out which routes were their favorites for exceptional views from high altitudes. The pilots were also asked (less interestingly) to name their favorite hotels and restaurants they frequent after arriving at the destination.
Naturally, the results covered the globe. One of the most fascinating was the journey from London to South Africa where window sitters can marvel over the Nice Riviera, Atlas Mountains, oil refinery fires in Nigeria, and sand dunes in Namibia.
New Delhi to Bagdogra also sounds appealing; the route passes through the Himalayas and offers passengers on the left side of the plane a view of Mt. Everest.
I'd like to add my own favorite to the list as well: Los Angeles to Seattle. This route passes over Yosemite Valley and a handful of volcanoes in the state of Oregon.
Filed under: Airlines
Reader Comments (Page 4 of 4)
c w Aug 13th 2006 1:16AM
flying over islip to east islip is amazing to see oconee diner is great
Sal Aug 13th 2006 1:17AM
On our honeymoon, we departed Chicago-O'Hare towards the east and I watched out the window as our plane rose majestically over the office where I work at just outside the airport. Such a good feeling when you're jetsetting to the caribbean while your work buddies are toiling through their day 3500 feet below.
Kennedy Aug 13th 2006 1:30AM
My most exciting flight was from Washington DC to St. Louis on the evening flight. There were only 17 of us on the huge jet, so it was peaceful to begin with. After take off the Pilot came on and announced that there was talk on the radio from other pilots about how clear the sky was and that around the Canada border they could see the Northern Lights. The pilot told us that he was going to head as far north as he could so we could see the spectacular sight. I have never seen anything as beautiful as the Nothern Lights. I will never forget their beauty. I hope someday that my children will be able to see this fabulous sight! Thank You to the Pilot that took the time to bring delight to all of his passengers.
Marilyn Aug 13th 2006 1:35AM
On a flight from Moscow to Seattle in 1966, with our highschool band who had just performed in Red Square, we flew over the North Ppole and you could actually see the curvature of the earth....most fastinating.
paul a Aug 13th 2006 1:41AM
I have traveled all over the world and saw all the sights mentioned above, all in the comforts of my home. Log on to Google.com and click on maps. Using the satellite feature, you can "fly" over any part of the world. I have spent hours "traveling" all over. Truly amazing what technology has brought us.
Matt Aug 13th 2006 1:42AM
As a pilot, one of the best routes is Denver-San Diego during the fall. If you can catch the aspen trees changing (golden in color)over the rockies, see Lake Mead, Monument Valley, Grand Canyon, LAS, Lots of changing desert and then into San Diego- fly along the Mexico border and past the downtown buildings to the south and Balboa park(San Diego Zoo) to the north.
Always ask your flight crew to try and point out stuff you would like to see on your flight. Crews like to do it but, believe it or not we get MANY complaints when we make announcements over the PA that intrupts someones sleep. So ask and we will be glad to provide that service!
Many safe travels!!!!
George Aug 13th 2006 1:51AM
The most beautiful flight is from Seattle to Anchorage! On a clear day the views of the British Columbia coast, Southeast Alaska, and the coastline and mountain ranges of South central Alaska are unmatched anywhere. I really enjoy the tidewater glaciers along the Gulf of Alaska and Prince William Sound. Be sure to sit on the right side going north!
DEBORAH LEE SELLARS Aug 13th 2006 2:21AM
The most breath-taking scene that I've ever seen was on a flight from Charolette, N. C. to San Juan, P. R. We flew over Cape Canaveral at the same time a space shuttle was being launch. To behold the speed that it traveled by us and the curious spiral trail exhaust it left behind was quite awe-inspiring
Peter Aug 13th 2006 2:31AM
Flying into La Guardia at night, over the city lights on Manhattan, Especially flying over the Hudson then turning right to land at LGA.
Deene Aug 13th 2006 2:59AM
It is hard to beat fluing into LAX on a clear night ans seeing all the lights that seem endless. Another unforgettable sight was flying from Glasgow to O'Hare over Greenland. Unbelievable sight of snow and ice for miles and miles and miles. I also agree that the view of Oklahoma's patchwork fields is unforgettable and have snapshots to prove it.
Shevy Aug 13th 2006 3:33AM
The flight from Seattle to Anchorage, Alaska...Nuff said...
Martha Aug 13th 2006 3:52AM
I flew nonstop from Seattle to London. When we flew over the arctic, I just couldn't help thinking that all that beautiful, shiny ice would make a lousy place to crash.
Don Harris Aug 13th 2006 4:30AM
I am a member of the "CIVIL AIR PATROL" USAF Aux. All our flights are in single engine aircraft and there is nothing like seeing the U.S. from 8 or 9 thousand feet on a clear day. Each flight is breathtaking.
Lorne Aug 13th 2006 5:00AM
Chicago, IL (ORD) to Detroit, MI (DTW)... Absolutely Marvelous. The scenic view is incredible! Both the left and right side of the aircraft have awesome views!
claire campbell Aug 13th 2006 5:39AM
the very best flight was from bermingham to nv. the grand cannon was the most beautiful thing i ever saw, and i was afread to fly when i got on the plane. i soon forgot i was even flying
David Aug 29th 2006 9:26PM
Well I dont know about high altitude views but I would like to add my favorite city to fly into,
as the view on approach is awesome. And the bummer is, you cant fly there anymore.
Kai Tak Airport in Hong Kong was located on the Kowloon Peninsula and the runway extended out over the water. Depending on the wind, you either flew in over the water, still a spectacular view of Hong Kong island, or from inland which was a wild ride for the following reasons: 1) The aircraft had to fly over the mountains(near the coast!) and then drop altitude
quickly and at a harsh angle to line up with the runway. Those who do not like to fly would probably not enjoy this flight. Those who like roller coasters like me, would be thrilled. 2) And this was the best, you fly low over the city and as you get closer to landing, you are actually flying between skyscrapers! As I looked out the window, it felt as if the wingtips would scrape along the buildings.
Ive actually seen the planes on approach from the steets below the flight path, and that is a sight to see in itself.
carlo p Oct 4th 2006 7:14AM
Memphis to San Fran