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GRU destination photo
LHR destination photo

GRULHR

Our Recommendation
7.8

Left Side of the Plane

The left side is generally preferred for the approach into London, offering iconic views of the city's skyline and the River Thames on standard arrival paths.

Left Side Highlights
7.8
🏙️

Sao Paulo Metropolis

Sweeping views of the vast urban sprawl of Brazil's largest city immediately after takeoff from GRU.

🏖️

Northeast Brazilian Coast

Aerial perspective of the white sand beaches and turquoise waters near Recife before the Atlantic crossing.

🇵🇹

Portugal's Atlantic Edge

Sighting the rugged cliffs and lighthouses of the Cabo da Roca area if the flight path stays coastal.

🌊

Bay of Biscay

The vast, deep blue expanse where the Atlantic meets the European continental shelf.

🇫🇷

Brittany Coastline

The jagged, rocky shores of western France visible before the aircraft crosses the English Channel.

🇬🇧

London Cityscape

Unmatched views of the Shard, Tower Bridge, and Big Ben if landing on Westerly Operations at Heathrow.

Select a seat forward of the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of London during the descent. Since this is typically an overnight flight, the left side faces north/northwest during the final leg, reducing direct sun glare while flying over Europe. Most LHR arrivals land towards the west, placing the city center directly on your side.

Right Side Highlights
6.5
🇧🇷

Coastal Recife

A glimpse of the high-rise buildings lining the Atlantic coast of Pernambuco during the climb north.

🌅

Atlantic Sunrise

A front-row seat to the sun rising over the horizon as the plane crosses the equator mid-flight.

🌋

Canary Islands

Potential views of the volcanic peaks of Tenerife or Gran Canaria depending on the specific oceanic track.

🏝️

Madeira

The lush, mountainous terrain of the Portuguese island often visible during the mid-flight transit.

⛰️

Galician Mountains

The green, hilly landscape of Northwest Spain as the aircraft re-enters European mainland airspace.

⚓

Isle of Wight

Clear views of the English south coast and the Solent shipping lanes during the approach to the UK.

The right side is ideal for passengers who enjoy watching the sunrise over the open ocean. While it offers fewer views of central London on the final approach, it provides excellent perspectives of the English south coast and the Solent on clear days. If the flight path is adjusted eastward, you may see more of the Spanish and French interiors.

Top Activities in London
Route Information

Distance: 9,460 km (5,878 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 11 hrs 8 min

Departure: GRU (-23.435556411743164, -46.47305679321289)

Arrival: LHR (51.4706, -0.461941)

Route Type: International

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