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The Most Scenic Routes - Airline pilots reveal their favorite views from the air
A number of regularly traveled commercial flight paths showcase some of the nation's most beautiful vistas, from the Grand Canyon to Alaskan glaciers to historic lighthouses en route to Portland, Maine. Pilots have their favorites views, and some tell stories of days before high fuel prices when they would seek permission from air-traffic controllers to pass close by prime sites or even double back to give passengers on both sides of a plane a great view. (online.wsj.com) Más...Sort type: [Top] [Newest]
I,too check my route before booking my seat.My favorite scenery is going into SEA with south winds, right over Lake Washington,Downtown, and over Boeing Field. DEN to LAX usually offers great views of the Grand Canyon(sit on the left side). And any flight out of JAX if easterly winds gives spectacular views of rivers, barrier islands, and the Atlantic.
I really enjoyed the scenery when landing at Lajes Field, Azores (TER) .. as long as the flight crew allowed me up front to observe the approach.
My favorite is takeoff from Runway 34L at Kingsford Smith in Sydney. As you fly north, the right side gets a spectacular view of the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge on the way out of the city.
I just flew from JFK to SEA, the view of Glacier National park, the Rockies,the Cascades, and then a perfect view of Mount Rainer (I was on the left side) was a site to behold. Also, the departure to the north out of Seattle right over the city and Elliot Bay/Puget Sound before turning back east was a good departure.
My favorite approach though is the Potomac approach into DCA, you can't beat that.
My favorite approach though is the Potomac approach into DCA, you can't beat that.
I will always remember my flight in 1969, on my way home from a year in Vietnam. The pilot was nice enough to let everyone on board that the Grand Canyon was ahead and then gave us all a great view.
As an American Airlines captain I always looked for ways for passengers to enjoy the view. My favorites 1) the "mountain tour" from SEA - doing a VFR semi-circle around Mt Rainier at 16,500 feet - just above the summit. Same type tour available for Mt Saint Helens - sometimes... 2) Taking off from BUF for the "Falls tour" - going west over Niagra Falls at 4500 feet with a left bank for a great view of the falls. 3) Grand Canyon tour - banking left and right so all with a window seat could see usually in the morning when shadows were sharp and the air clear.