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CLT â LHR
Which side of the plane to sit from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (Charlotte) to London Heathrow Airport (London)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the North American coastline, the rugged landscape of Newfoundland, and a scenic entry over the Irish and Welsh coasts before descending into London.
Appalachian Foothills
Immediately after takeoff from CLT, enjoy views of the rolling green hills and the tail end of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Chesapeake Bay
As the flight tracks northeast, look out for the intricate coastline and massive bridge-tunnels of the Maryland and Virginia shores.
Newfoundland Coast
On the great circle route, catch a glimpse of the stark, rocky cliffs and icy waters of eastern Canada.
The Emerald Isle
First landfall in Europe often occurs over the lush, green fields of Southern Ireland and the Irish Sea.
Snowdonia and Wales
Crossing into the UK, the rugged peaks of the Welsh mountains provide a dramatic transition from the sea.
North London Views
During the standard approach into Heathrow, this side often sees Wembley Stadium and the sprawl of North London.
Choose the left side for potential views of the Northern Lights during winter months when flying the high-latitude tracks. For the best experience, monitor the flight map as you cross the Canadian Maritimes; this is the best time for spotting icebergs in the spring.
Outer Banks
Shortly after departure, you may see the thin ribbons of sand that make up the North Carolina barrier islands.
Mid-Atlantic Sunrise
As an eastbound overnight flight, the right side provides a front-row seat to a spectacular sunrise over the open ocean.
English Channel
Upon approaching Europe, you can often see the busy shipping lanes and white cliffs of the southern English coast.
Central London Icons
If the flight enters the 'Biggin' or 'Ockham' holding patterns, you may see the London Eye, The Shard, and Tower Bridge.
Windsor Castle
On final approach to Heathrow when landing towards the west, the right side often gets a clear view of the royal residence.
The right side is ideal for travelers who enjoy watching the sunrise over the Atlantic. Since LHR usually operates with westerly landings, sit on the right for the highest chance of seeing iconic Central London landmarks like Big Ben and the Thames if the aircraft is vectored south of the city.
Distance: 6,409 km (3,982 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 7 hrs 32 min
Departure: CLT (35.2140007019043, -80.94309997558594)
Arrival: LHR (51.4706, -0.461941)
Route Type: International
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