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IST → LTN
Which side of the plane to sit from Istanbul Airport (Istanbul) to London Luton Airport (London)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior for this westbound route, offering potential views of the distant Alps to the south and a prime perspective of the London skyline during the standard arrival patterns into Luton.
Istanbul & Bosporus
Breathtaking views of the bridges connecting Europe and Asia shortly after takeoff depending on the departure runway.
Balkan Mountains
Fly over the rugged ridges of the Stara Planina range in Bulgaria and the Serbian highlands.
The Distant Alps
On clear days, the snow-capped peaks of the Austrian and Swiss Alps are visible on the southern horizon over Central Europe.
Rhine River
Cross over the historic Rhine valley as you transition through German and Belgian airspace.
London Skyline
Superior views of the Shard, Tower Bridge, and the City of London during the final approach into Luton.
For the best experience, choose a seat behind the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of the ground. On morning flights, the sun will be positioned to the south, providing excellent lighting for the Balkan landscapes. If landing from the east (Runway 26), the left side offers the classic London panorama.
Black Sea Coast
A stunning view of the northern Turkish coastline and the deep blue waters immediately following departure.
The Blue Danube
Follow the path of Europe's second-longest river as it winds through Hungary and Southern Germany.
Brussels & Benelux
Glimpse the dense urban sprawl and historic architecture of the Low Countries from high altitude.
English Channel
Watch the world's busiest shipping lanes as you cross from mainland Europe to the United Kingdom.
Essex Countryside
View the patchwork of green fields and quaint villages in the East of England during the descent.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun from the south. It provides a better angle for viewing the North Sea and the Thames Estuary if the flight path stays northern. During winter months, the low sun angle makes the textures of the European plains particularly vivid.
Distance: 2,495 km (1,550 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 20 min
Departure: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Arrival: LTN (51.87469863891602, -0.36833301186561584)
Route Type: International
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