Arriving into SYD - which side of aircraft for best views?

[eminere]

Hi mods, I wasn't sure where to ask this question so please move to a more appropriate board if needed.

For the frequent travellers here which side of the aircraft would afford you the famed Sydney harbour/city views on approach? Which runway would this be on? The alternative view would be when coming in over Port Botany, right?

If it makes any difference I'll be on SQ221 arriving 0735.

Thanks

 

[Ewing]

The approach that gives you those spectacular views you're talking about involves landing on 16L or 16R.

If you're lucky enough to land on those runways, you want to be sitting on the left side of the aircraft.

 

[serfty]

The approach that gives you those spectacular views you're talking about involves landing on 16L or 16R.

If you're lucky enough to land on those runways, you want to be sitting on the left side of the aircraft.

Since these are really the only approaches that give reasonable views of the harbour then left side is essential. With any other approach not much can be seen of the CBD irrespective of which side of the aircraft you are.

 

[markis10]

The approach that gives you those spectacular views you're talking about involves landing on 16L or 16R.

If you're lucky enough to land on those runways, you want to be sitting on the left side of the aircraft.

Rwy 34 also gives you great views if you track for a right base from the north which of course is where SQ221 is coming from. While I agree sitting on the left will be the best chance, if the aircraft is given a right base approach for 34L, the track will take it over garden island and the cross, giving those in the right a fantastic view.

 

[eminere]

I knew the experts on here would have an answer! Thank you all.

 

[serfty]

Rwy 34 also gives you great views if you track for a right base from the north which of course is where SQ221 is coming from. While I agree sitting on the left will be the best chance, if the aircraft is given a right base approach for 34L, the track will take it over garden island and the cross, giving those in the right a fantastic view.

Which, in my experience, is rare. Also, the right hand side is good for approaches to 25 (with views over the eastern Beaches and the sports precinct with the CBD in the distance); but, again, these are rare.

FWIW, the final approaches mentioned by Ewing over Glebe are more frequent and they give the best views; left is right for those.

 

[markis10]

Which, in my experience, is rare. Also, the right hand side is good for approaches to 25 (with views over the eastern Beaches and the sports precinct with the CBD in the distance); but, again, these are rare.

FWIW, the final approaches mentioned by Ewing over Glebe are more frequent and they give the best views; left is right for those.

Its unusual more so than rare based on my ATC experience.




Regardless I would still go the left side which clearly is the bookies favorite, actually getting a winning view is however at the whim of the weather and Sydney approach.

 

[serfty]

...

Regardless I would still go the left side which clearly is the bookies favorite, actually getting a wining view is however at the whim of the weather and Sydney approach.

Yeah, I've seen that approach on a few flights from the North - generally prefaced with a disgruntled announcement from the pilot who, I guess, was hoping to come straight in.

One of the better views was actually a departure to OOL - flew out on 07 with a left hand bank soon after and headed up along the coast, crossing eventually over NTL.

 

[UP4014]

Yes, as others have said, sit on the left is the best chance for the best view.

Matt

 

[eminere]

Now I just have to find a left-side seat that is not (a) windowless, and (b) over the A380's massive wing, which spans pretty much the entire main J cabin.