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GLA → LSI
Which side of the plane to sit from Glasgow International Airport (Glasgow) to Sumburgh Airport (Sumburgh)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides offer stunning views of the Scottish wilderness, the right side provides a superior vantage point for the Cairngorm peaks, the Moray Firth coastline, and the iconic aerial view of Fair Isle during the final leg.
Glasgow Cityscape
A birds-eye view of the River Clyde, the SEC Armadillo, and the historic urban layout of Scotland's largest city.
Cairngorms National Park
Fly over the highest mountain plateau in the UK, featuring snow-capped peaks and ancient Caledonian pine forests.
Moray Firth
View the sweeping coastline of the northeast, including the mouth of the River Ness and the coastal town of Lossiemouth.
Fair Isle
The highlight of the route; catch a rare glimpse of Britain's most remote inhabited island, world-famous for its knitwear and birds.
Sumburgh Head
The plane often banks right over the iconic Stevenson-designed lighthouse at the southern tip of Shetland during the final approach.
The right side is the 'star' for this route, specifically for Fair Isle which appears about 15 minutes before landing. Morning flights are ideal for the right side to catch the sunrise over the North Sea. Ensure your camera is ready for the low-altitude pass of the Sumburgh Head lighthouse.
Loch Lomond
Witness the expansive 'Bonnie Banks' and the surrounding Trossachs National Park shortly after takeoff from Glasgow.
The Great Glen
On clear days, view the massive geological fault line that cuts through the Highlands, potentially including Loch Ness.
Pentland Firth
The turbulent stretch of water separating the Scottish mainland from the Orkney Islands, known for its powerful tides.
Old Man of Hoy
Look for the famous 449-foot sea stack standing tall against the western cliffs of the Orkney archipelago.
Fitful Head
As you descend into Sumburgh, these dramatic 900-foot cliffs on Shetland's southwest coast offer spectacular bird-watching views.
Choose the left side for better lighting on afternoon flights to avoid the direct southern sun. This side is superior for viewing the rugged western coastline of Orkney and the famous sea stacks if the flight path tracks slightly west.
Distance: 483 km (300 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 48 min
Departure: GLA (55.8718986511, -4.43306016922)
Arrival: LSI (59.87889862060547, -1.295560002326965)
Route Type: Domestic
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