The Most Scenic Flights in the World: Routes Worth Booking for the Views
While most travelers focus on their destination, sometimes the journey itself can be just as breathtaking. Flying over rugged mountains, crystal-clear waters, and vast deserts can transform your flight into an unforgettable experience. From short domestic hops to epic international routes, here are some of the most scenic flights in the world and tips on how to book them for the best views.
1. Queenstown to Milford Sound, New Zealand
New Zealand’s South Island is famous for its dramatic landscapes, and the flight from Queenstown to Milford Sound showcases it all. As you soar over Fiordland National Park, you’ll witness snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and cascading waterfalls. The aerial view of Milford Sound’s fjords surrounded by steep cliffs is nothing short of magical.
How to Book: Small airlines like Air Milford and Southern Air offer scenic flights that double as transportation to Milford Sound. Opt for a window seat on smaller aircraft for uninterrupted views.
2. Vancouver to Victoria, Canada
This short flight takes you over British Columbia’s stunning coastline, with its myriad of islands, lush forests, and glistening waters. Flying on a seaplane adds an extra layer of charm as you land directly on the water in Victoria’s Inner Harbour.
How to Book: Harbour Air offers frequent seaplane flights between Vancouver and Victoria. For the best experience, book a seat on the left side of the aircraft.
3. Doha to Cape Town, Qatar to South Africa
This long-haul flight offers a unique mix of desert and coastal views. Departing from Doha, you’ll witness the vast, golden sands of the Arabian Peninsula. As you approach Cape Town, the view shifts to the iconic Table Mountain and the rugged coastline of South Africa.
How to Book: Qatar Airways operates this route with large aircraft. Request a window seat on the left side for the best views of Table Mountain during landing.
4. Santiago to Punta Arenas, Chile
Flying over Patagonia is a bucket list experience for many travelers. This route offers a front-row seat to the Andes Mountains, shimmering glaciers, and turquoise lakes. The descent into Punta Arenas often includes views of the Strait of Magellan.
How to Book: LATAM Airlines and Sky Airline both serve this route. Plan your flight during daylight hours to fully appreciate the scenery.
5. Anchorage to Nome, United States
Alaska’s wilderness comes alive on this flight, which takes you over pristine tundra, winding rivers, and remote villages. In winter, you might even spot frozen landscapes and the occasional moose or caribou.
How to Book: Alaska Airlines operates this route with Boeing 737s. Choose a seat on the right side for the best views of the Bering Sea.
6. Sydney to Queenstown, Australia to New Zealand
As you approach Queenstown, the landscape transforms into a stunning display of alpine peaks and glacial lakes. The flight’s final descent through the Southern Alps is often considered one of the most scenic in the world.
How to Book: Carriers like Qantas and Air New Zealand operate this route. Choose a morning flight for the best lighting over the Southern Alps.
7. Paris to Nice, France
This short domestic flight offers a visual feast of France’s diverse geography. From Paris’ urban sprawl, you’ll transition to the rolling hills of Provence and finally the sparkling waters of the French Riviera as you land in Nice.
How to Book: Air France and budget carriers like easyJet operate this route. Book a seat on the right side for stunning views of the Mediterranean during landing.
8. Reykjavik to Akureyri, Iceland
This route takes you over Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes, including lava fields, steaming geothermal areas, and glacial rivers. Approaching Akureyri, you’ll see snow-capped mountains and the serene Eyjafjörður fjord.
How to Book: Icelandair and Air Iceland Connect serve this route. Smaller planes ensure everyone gets a good view.
9. Rio de Janeiro to Iguazu Falls, Brazil
This flight offers incredible contrasts, starting with Rio’s iconic beaches and Sugarloaf Mountain before transitioning to the lush greenery and roaring waters of Iguazu Falls.
How to Book: LATAM Airlines and Azul Airlines offer flights between Rio and Foz do Iguaçu. Sit on the right side for a better view of the falls as you approach.
10. Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, South Africa to Zimbabwe
Fly over Africa’s expansive savannahs and the winding Zambezi River. As you near Victoria Falls, the sight of the “Smoke that Thunders” from above is unforgettable.
How to Book: South African Airways and British Airways operate this route. Window seats on the left side typically offer better views of the falls.
Tips for Booking Scenic Flights
Choose the Right Side: Research which side of the aircraft offers the best views for your route.
Fly During Daylight: Scenic flights are best enjoyed when the landscape is illuminated. Check flight times to avoid night landings.
Check Smaller Airlines: Many scenic routes are operated by regional carriers or smaller planes, offering better visibility and a more intimate experience.
Use Points and Miles: Redeem rewards for premium seats or upgrades to maximize your comfort while enjoying the views.
Conclusion: Flying as an Experience
These scenic flights prove that the journey can be just as remarkable as the destination. Whether you’re soaring over fjords, mountains, or coastlines, these routes offer unforgettable experiences that turn your window seat into a front-row ticket to the world’s natural beauty.
Have you flown any of these scenic routes? Share your favorite aerial views in the comments, or tag us in your flight photos on Instagram at @roaming.cactus. Let’s discover the world from above, one flight at a time.
