Originally Posted by
Leumas
From what I notice, for departing flights that do happen to fly over the city (i.e., giving you a view), the 'A' seats tend to be the winner. Often, they just fly straight out to sea and turn to their appropriate directions.
Departing flights Trans Pacific and long hauls to the north (ie QF 127 to HKG) IF using RW34, will turn slightly to the left after take-off and then go where they need to. In this case, the BEST BEST views of the city will be the right side (K seats).
RW 16R departures will turn slightly right after take off and gradually track right up to the NW - missing the best views of the city.
The nicest departures often are on the LAX or SFO flights where the plane follows the harbour out to sea. Truely magnificent.
I was once on a SYD-AKL flight that departed on 16R and did a long slow 270 degree turn as it climbed to 12000' affording the K seat passengers a stunning view of the city throughout the climb.