View from the plane; arrival CPT
#1
Original Poster
FlyerTalk Evangelist


Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Sacramento
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View from the plane; arrival CPT
I’ve visited CPT several times. We’ve always arrived at night, but this time I have a 10 am arrival.
I know the winds can change. I’ve seen the clouds cover Table Mountain. I know it could be raining.
But as a general rule, is there a preferred side of the plane to sit on (Window A or Window K) to get the best view on approach to CPT.
I know the winds can change. I’ve seen the clouds cover Table Mountain. I know it could be raining.
But as a general rule, is there a preferred side of the plane to sit on (Window A or Window K) to get the best view on approach to CPT.
#2


Join Date: Nov 2008
Programs: Flying Blue, Diamond Club
Posts: 874
I’ve visited CPT several times. We’ve always arrived at night, but this time I have a 10 am arrival.
I know the winds can change. I’ve seen the clouds cover Table Mountain. I know it could be raining.
But as a general rule, is there a preferred side of the plane to sit on (Window A or Window K) to get the best view on approach to CPT.
I know the winds can change. I’ve seen the clouds cover Table Mountain. I know it could be raining.
But as a general rule, is there a preferred side of the plane to sit on (Window A or Window K) to get the best view on approach to CPT.
#3
Join Date: Jan 2021
Posts: 29
Done this many times and often spectacular. If the winds are from the south/south east the landings are usually on R19 which is the southerly runway. Any other wind direction they tend to switch to northerly landings.
#4


Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Nashville,TN
Programs: AA Gold Elite
Posts: 618
Agree with window seat K or right side of the plane for the best opportunity to view Table Mountain on approach.
Morning arrivals offer the best likelihood for great views.
May the gods be ever in your favor!
Morning arrivals offer the best likelihood for great views.
May the gods be ever in your favor!
#6


Join Date: Mar 2014
Programs: BAEC blue
Posts: 679
Interesting. We often fly in southern winter (Aug onwards) and often have northerly winds / approach from the south when the best seats are A on the left, especially if you make the final turns over the peninsula. If empty enough you could check the forecast 24 hours ahead.
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 14,352
???
After August comes spring. Winter in SA is June - August, followed by spring in September - November.
In summer, the wind in Cape Town blows from the south almost all the time. In winter, northerly winds predominate, although the balance is far less skewed.

Assuming the OP is flying in this month, northerly winds are statistically more probable than southerly ones.
Johan
After August comes spring. Winter in SA is June - August, followed by spring in September - November.
In summer, the wind in Cape Town blows from the south almost all the time. In winter, northerly winds predominate, although the balance is far less skewed.

Assuming the OP is flying in this month, northerly winds are statistically more probable than southerly ones.
Johan
#8
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Canada, USA, Europe
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 31,439
Interesting. We often fly in southern winter (Aug onwards) and often have northerly winds / approach from the south when the best seats are A on the left, especially if you make the final turns over the peninsula. If empty enough you could check the forecast 24 hours ahead.

