From Sydney to San Francisco, pilots for British Airways reveal the best views from above
WHEN it comes to the ideal place for a spot of sightseeing, it’s hard to get better than the pointy end of the plane. Here are the 10 best views from the skies, according to British Airways pilots.
WHEN it comes to the ideal place for a spot of sightseeing, it’s hard to get better than the pointy end of the plane, where lucky pilots get to soak up the best views Earth has to offer in an office that the rest of us could only dream of having.
Our jealousy has soared to new heights with the release of a survey by British Airways of their pilots’ favourite destinations seen from above.
The pilots were asked to chose from the airline’s 180+ different routes, and came up with a top 10 list.
Here are the winners, along with pilots explaining why they are so incredible.
1. Northern Lights, North America
Captain Dave Willsher: “If you’re not already asleep this is an amazing sight three to four hours into most long North America flights. Well worth staying up for.”
2. Central London, approach into Heathrow
Captain Mark Mannering-Smith: “Most flights approach Heathrow from the east — a great opportunity to get an unbeatable view of London.”
3. Mont Blanc, Pisa
First Officer Caroline Robinson: “A breathtaking view of the Alps, and especially of Mont Blanc.”
4. Sydney Harbour
Captain Derek May: “When leaving Sydney, sit on the right hand side of the aircraft to get the best views of Sydney Harbour.”
5. Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, San Francisco
Captain Simon Scholey: “You get great views of the bridge on the left hand side of the aircraft, Alcatraz from the right, and the bay from both!”
6. Greenland, North Atlantic flights
Senior First Officer Peter Nye: “Greenland is visually stunning. The tips of mountains can be seen poking through the snow which is over a mile deep. Occasionally you will be able to see icebergs carving off glaciers around the coast.”
7. Venetian canals
First Officer Joanne Tait: “This is especially good on a departure to the north east as you circle back over the city.”
8. Cape Town, Table Mountain
Senior First Officer Kate Laidler: “On early morning arrivals from the north it’s great for Table Mountain and the bay.”
9. Dubrovnik
Captain Al Bridger: “It’s a terrific approach into Dubrovnik over the bay to the north east.”
10. Mount Fuji
Captain Chris Hanson: “Whether arriving or departing from Tokyo (Narita) you can see Mount Fuji sticking out of the clouds.”
What a ride.