1. Northern Lights, North America

The Northern Lights was named the best sight to see from a plane. Captain Dave Willsher of British Airways says the northern lights (here seen in Alaska), which can be seen on North American flights, is 'well worth staying up for.' (Greg A. Syverson/Getty Images)

From above, you can get a different perspective of the world — a new way at seeing a natural wonder or a sprawling city. Pilots, not surprisingly, get the most spectacular views of the world's beauty from the cockpit.

British Airways pilots, who have flown 180 routes, recently revealed their top 10 most beautiful views from the air.“We get some spectacular views from the cockpit but many of these can be seen by everyone on board, especially on our new 787 aircraft which have much larger windows," saidBritish Airways’ chief Boeing pilot, Captain Al Bridger. "We always try to share our knowledge and point out some of the amazing sights that can be enjoyed from the air so that customers can begin sightseeing before they’ve even landed.”

(MORE: 50 Spectacular Aerials That Will Make You See the World in New Ways)

Some of the pilots' selections include natural wonders some people may only get a glimpse of from the plane window — like Mount Fuji in Japan, or Mont Blanc in the French Alps. Others are tourist destinations that can be visited on the ground but reveal their majestic beauty fully when viewed from above.

Click through the slideshow above to find out the pilots' favorite airport approaches.