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Which side of the plane to sit from Exeter International Airport (Exeter) to Manchester Airport (Manchester)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior mix of coastal views over the Exe Estuary, the distinct ridgeline of the Malvern Hills, and expansive vistas towards the Welsh mountains across the Bristol Channel.
Exe Estuary
Aerial view of the river Exe meeting the English Channel at Dawlish Warren immediately after takeoff.
Bristol Channel
Panoramic views across the Severn Estuary toward the South Wales coastline and the Brecon Beacons.
Malvern Hills
A striking 8-mile long volcanic ridge that stands out prominently from the surrounding flat Severn Valley.
Shropshire Hills
Rugged green landscapes and ancient hill forts visible as the aircraft cruises northward.
Cheshire Plain
The patchwork of agricultural fields and rural villages that characterize the approach into Greater Manchester.
Choose the left side for afternoon flights to avoid the direct sun glare and enjoy better lighting on the Welsh border. Look out for the distinct shape of the Wrekin hill as you pass over Shropshire. This side is also excellent for seeing the coastal sandbanks of the Exe Estuary during a southern departure.
The Cotswolds
Rolling limestone hills and historic market towns of this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Birmingham Sprawl
The dense urban landscape of the West Midlands, visible to the east during the mid-flight cruise.
Peak District
The dark peaks and gritstone edges of the UK's first national park, visible on the descent into Manchester.
Jodrell Bank
The iconic Lovell Telescope is often visible as a tiny white dot in the Cheshire countryside.
Manchester Skyline
Clear views of the Deansgate skyscrapers and Old Trafford stadium when approaching from the south or east.
The right side is ideal for morning flights when the sun is in the east, highlighting the textures of the Peak District. If the aircraft lands toward the west (Runway 23), this side provides a stunning view of Manchester's growing cluster of skyscrapers. Keep an eye out for the white dome of Jodrell Bank roughly 10 minutes before landing.
Distance: 301 km (187 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 30 min
Departure: EXT (50.73440170288086, -3.4138898849487305)
Arrival: MAN (53.35369873046875, -2.2749500274658203)
Route Type: Domestic
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