There’s something magical about looking out of an airplane window and seeing the world from above. It's the one place where you can watch a sunrise over the clouds, see mountain ranges unfold like ancient paintings, or witness cities sparkle like constellations below. For me, the window seat is more than just a preference—it's a front-row ticket to nature’s greatest show.

Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to capture some breathtaking scenes mid-flight. Here are a few that truly took my breath away.

1. Sunrise Over the Himalayas

Flying from Kathmandu to Paro, I found myself glued to the window. As the sun crept over the horizon, the peaks of the Himalayas glowed in golden light. Mount Everest stood in the distance like a silent guardian. It felt surreal—almost dreamlike.

2. Northern Lights Somewhere Over Scandinavia

On a winter flight from Oslo to Reykjavik, I got the rarest treat: the aurora borealis dancing outside my window. I turned off the overhead light, pressed my forehead against the cold glass, and watched streaks of green and purple ripple across the sky. No movie could compete with that.

3. A Bird’s-Eye View of Venice

Descending into Venice, Italy, is nothing short of cinematic. From above, the winding canals, tiny bridges, and clustered red rooftops create a mosaic that looks like it was painted by hand. The entire city appears to float, reminding you just how unique and fragile it is.

4. Flying Over the Sahara Desert

The vastness of the Sahara is humbling. On a flight from Morocco to Egypt, I looked out and saw an endless stretch of golden dunes. No roads, no cities—just pure, untouched sand. It felt like flying over another planet.

5. New York City at Night

Approaching JFK during an evening flight, I was treated to one of the most dazzling urban views in the world. The grid of Manhattan lit up beneath me, with Times Square shining like a beacon. The Statue of Liberty was just visible in the harbor—a glowing reminder of how far I’d come.

Why the Window Seat Always Wins

While aisle seats might be more convenient for stretching your legs, they can’t compete with the view. The window seat offers a moment of peace, reflection, and often awe. It's where daydreams happen, and where you’re reminded just how vast and beautiful our planet is.

Final Thoughts

Some of the most unforgettable parts of my travels have happened 35,000 feet in the air—through a tiny oval window. These views have stayed with me long after the wheels touched down. So the next time you’re booking a flight, consider choosing the window seat. You never know what you might see. Read More