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GLA â HER
Which side of the plane to sit from Glasgow International Airport (Glasgow) to Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport (Heraklion)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior sequence of views, including the crossing of the English Channel, a spectacular panoramic of the eastern Alps, and a grand finale featuring the sun-drenched Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea during the descent into Crete.
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The English Channel
Aerial view of the world's busiest shipping lanes as you transition from UK to European airspace.
Central European Alps
Glaciated peaks and deep valleys stretching across the Swiss and Austrian borders.
Adriatic Coastline
The sparkling turquoise waters and thousands of tiny islands along the Croatian and Balkan coasts.
Greek Mainland
The rugged Pindus mountain range and the historic landscapes of central Greece.
The Cyclades
Iconic views of white-washed islands like Santorini and Ios dotting the deep blue Aegean Sea during descent.
Sit on the left for the best chance to spot Santorini's caldera about 15-20 minutes before landing. On morning flights, the sun will be on this side initially, so keep window shades down until reaching the Alps to avoid glare. This side is also prime for seeing the sprawl of Athens if the flight path tracks slightly east.
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River Clyde
Immediate views of Glasgow's industrial heritage and the Erskine Bridge shortly after takeoff.
Mont Blanc & Western Alps
Distant but majestic views of the highest peaks in Europe if the flight path stays west.
Italian Peninsula
The rugged spine of the Apennine Mountains and the coastal plains of eastern Italy.
The White Mountains
The dramatic, snow-capped 'Lefka Ori' of Crete as the plane approaches from the northwest.
Heraklion City
A close-up view of the Venetian harbor and Koules Fortress during the final turn to the runway.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to avoid the harsh southern sun. It provides a stunning perspective of the Cretan coastline and the rugged interior mountains as the pilot maneuvers for the final approach into Nikos Kazantzakis Airport. Watch for the contrast between the dry Cretan landscape and the sea.
Book Hotels in HeraklionDistance: 3,197 km (1,987 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 46 min
Departure: GLA (55.8718986511, -4.43306016922)
Arrival: HER (35.3396987915, 25.1802997589)
Route Type: International
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