Travel Tips

Airplane Window Photography โ€” How to Get Stunning Shots

Updated June 25, 2026 | 4 min read

Some of the most incredible photos you'll ever take are from 35,000 feet. Mountains, rivers, cities at night, sunsets above the clouds โ€” your phone can capture all of it. Here's how.

Best Seat for Photos

  • ๐ŸชŸ Window seat, obviously: Book in advance โ€” see our seat selection guide
  • ๐Ÿ“ Avoid wing rows: Rows 10-18 typically. The wing blocks the ground view
  • โ˜€๏ธ Side matters: Sunrise โ†’ right side (east). Sunset โ†’ left side (west). Himalayas โ†’ left side going north

Phone Settings

  • ๐Ÿ“ธ Tap to focus: Tap on the landscape outside, not the window
  • ๐Ÿ”† Lower exposure: Swipe down after tapping to avoid washed-out skies
  • ๐Ÿšซ No flash: Flash reflects off the window. Turn it off
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ HDR mode: Great for sunsets and cloud formations
  • ๐ŸŽฌ Timelapse: Set your phone on timelapse during takeoff โ€” incredible results

Avoiding Reflections

  • ๐Ÿงฅ Cup your hands: Press your phone against the window, cup your other hand around the lens to block cabin light
  • ๐ŸŒ™ Turn off reading light: Any cabin light creates reflections
  • ๐Ÿงน Clean the window: Use your sleeve to wipe condensation (inside only, outside is double-paned)

Capture the View

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