As you gear up for your next trip, Captain Kim Seung Kyu of Korean Air has some tips to help you maximize your airplane seat.
If you’re planning a trip, keep these tips in mind:
First, choose a seat by the left window on flights departing from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport or Narita Airport to catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji. This will give you a clear view of Mount Fuji shortly after takeoff.
To see the aurora, you must be strategic with your seat choice. On a night flight departing from the eastern US, sitting by the right window will allow you to spot the aurora about three and a half hours into the flight. If you’re returning from Europe, sit by the left window and look out while passing over St. Petersburg. Flying on Korean Air’s flight KE086 from New York to Incheon further increases your chances of seeing the aurora.
To view Hallasan’s crater lake, take a flight from Jeju to Busan, Ulsan, Pohang, or Daegu and sit by the left window. Clear weather is essential for this view. As the plane takes off eastward, it will fly past Hallasan, so keep an eye out shortly after takeoff. For a night view of Jeju Island, choose a seat by the left window on an evening flight heading to Southeast Asia.
If you want to see Seoul’s skyline from the air, sit by the left window on flights to Japan and the US or by the right window on flights returning to Gimpo and Incheon.
For flights to Abu Dhabi or Dubai, sit by the left window for a chance to see the Himalayas.
When descending into London, look out the window when the seatbelt sign lights up at 10,000 feet.
If you’re flying into Los Angeles, sit by the right window to enjoy the views of downtown. On a flight to San Francisco, you’ll see the Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Bridge from the left window.
To admire the beautiful sea of Seto Inland Sea, sit by the right window on flights to Osaka Kansai. The blue waters and picturesque scenery will significantly enhance your travel experience.
If you’re flying to Europe, you can glimpse the Mongolian steppes and Lake Baikal about two and a half hours into the flight. Depending on your flight path, you might see these views from the right or left window, so checking in advance is a good idea.
The aurora is most visible above 60 degrees north latitude, but you can also see it at latitudes above 55. For the best chance of spotting the aurora, consider choosing a flight heading north.
If you’re returning from Hong Kong or Southeast Asia, sit by the right window to enjoy the night view of Taiwan, which lights up with vibrant colors after sunset.
On flights back to Busan, sitting by the left window during daylight may allow you to see Seongsan Ilchulbong. Sitting on the right side offers more scenic views for flights from Jeju to Gimpo.
To see Baekdu Mountain, sit by the right window on flights to Yanji and Mudanjiang and look out about an hour into the flight. On flights from the eastern US to Incheon that pass over the Arctic, you can see Baekdu Mountain while flying over Harbin if you sit by the left window.
You might see the Rocky Mountains or Mount Rainier on flights returning to Korea from Dallas. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the Canadian Rockies.
When taking off and landing in Paris, there’s about a 50/50 chance you’ll see the Eiffel Tower and the city of Paris from your window.
Additionally, you might need to sacrifice some sleep on the plane to enjoy various landscapes. While it’s best to keep looking outside to catch stunning views, remember that weather conditions can affect what you see, so it won’t always be the same.
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