Ten airports you must book a window

seat for
Aisle or window? Thats a question Im sure many of us are familiar with. Im a big fan of window seats
youll know why if youve seen any of my Plane Views posts! Whether youre an aisle or a window
person, here are ten airports youll want to book a window seat for (arriving, departing or both) in all
cases because of the amazing views but Ive included two airports for those among us who love the
occasional adrenaline rush!

Sydney International (SYD)

Australias biggest and busiest airport is also one of the best to fly into. Sydney Kingsford Smith has
two parallel runways in a north-south alignment. If youre landing from a northerly direction or taking
off in a northerly direction from these runways, youll be treated to amazing views of Sydney Harbour,
arguably, one of the most beautiful natural harbours in the world.

Aerial view of Sydney after take-off from Kingsford Smith.

Bora Bora, French Polynesia (BOB)

Little more than an airstrip on the outer fringe of the Bora Bora lagoon, BOB boasts one of the most
jaw-dropping views anywhere around so make sure you book yourself a window seat flying in and out!

An unforgettable view of Bora Bora after take-off.

Vancouver International (YVR)

If youre lucky and the weather is clear, YVR offers flyers stunning panoramic views of the Coastal
mountains, the Vancouver skyline and the ocean. Look out for the snow-capped Mount Baker!

A grand view of Greater Vancouver

Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont (SDU)

Rio de Janeiros domestic airport a stones throw from the city centre offers breathtaking views of the
city during any take-off and landing. This is one airport you definitely want to have a window seat for!

Views of Botafogo Bay and Corcovado mountain (with the Christ the Redeemer statue on the peak).

Juneau, Alaska (JNU)

Juneau, the capital of Alaska, has one of the coolest airports Ive ever flown into. Approaching from
the south, the plane flies low inside a fiord, with steep forest-clad mountains on both sides, before
making a sharp bank to the left and landing. As the plane lines up for the final approach, youll have
terrific views of the amazing glacier in the airports backyard!

The airport in Juneau with the glacier as a backdrop!

So Paulo Congonhas (CGH)

Congonhas is arguably one of the most notorious airports in the world. It reminds me of Hong Kongs
old Kai Tak airport which required planes to fly in low over the rooftops of buildings on the approach
a true nail-biting landing! Located smack in the middle of one of the worlds largest cities, Congonhas
airport is surrounded by a sea of skyscrapers and a web of highways and roads. It also has two
relatively short runways with a steep drop-off on both ends. Paulistas love this airport because of its
central location. A window seat is a must, especially for the thrill-seekers among us!

Aerial view of Congonhas Airport in Sao Paulo (image courtesy of Fernando Stankuns)

Hong Kong International (HKG)

The old Hong Kong airport at Kai Tak offered one of the most nail-biting landings anywhere around.
Since the opening of the Hong Kong International Airport on Chek Lap Kok island in 1998, landing and
taking off in this Asian city is a lot more pleasant. On a clear day, landing at or taking off from HKG
can also be a beautiful experience, with fabulous vistas of the Hong Kong skyline, Victoria Harbour
and the surrounding islands.

Aerial view of HKIA.

Dubai International (DXB)

Dubais ambitious projects are best seen from the air, like the skyscrapers of
downtown Dubai (including Burj Khalifa, the worlds tallest building), the Palm Jumeira and Palm Jebel
Ali islands and The World archipelago. Book a window seat for spectacular views of the city and its
amazing structures.

Views of Dubais The World and Palm islands on take-off from DXB (image courtesy of Nico Crisafulli).

Newark, New Jersey (EWR)

Of all the airports serving the greater New York City area, Newark in New Jersey offers perhaps the
best views of the Manhattan skyline as its runways are aligned parallel with Manhattan island. Youre
in for an unforgettable treat if your flight lands from a northerly direction during sunset on a clear day
the golden colours of the sunset reflecting off the skyscrapers on Manhattan are truly a sight to
behold!

View of the Manhattan skyline during a landing at Newark (image courtesy of Blueridge Kitties).

Saba (SAB)
This tiny island in the Eastern Caribbean just south of Sint Maarten is a favourite diving spot for those
in the know. The island of Saba is basically the peak of a volcano jutting out from the sea, with steep
forested slopes on all sides and the islands four villages located on the upper reaches of the volcano.

Saba island (image courtesy of Avalonn).

Landing at the Saba airport pilots view (image courtesy of Rudgr.com)

Getting to Saba is an adventure in itself as the islands airport boasts the worlds shortest commercial
flight runway, at just about 400 meters! In addition, the runway is flanked by steep mountain slopes on
one side and cliffs on the other! This is another airport for the thrill-seekers!