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JTR destination photo
LGW destination photo

JTR → LGW

Which side of the plane to sit from Santorini Airport (Thira) to London Gatwick Airport (London)?

Our Recommendation
8.7

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a stunning view of the Santorini Caldera immediately upon departure, followed by the breathtaking turquoise coastlines of the Adriatic Sea and a dramatic traverse over the snow-capped peaks of the Eastern Alps.

Left Side Highlights
8.7
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Santorini Caldera

Unrivaled views of the volcanic rim and the white-washed villages of Oia and Fira shortly after takeoff.

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Adriatic Coastline

Crystal-clear waters and the rugged limestone cliffs of the Montenegro and Croatian coasts.

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Eastern Alps

Jagged peaks and deep glacial valleys as the flight passes over the Austrian and Swiss border regions.

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Burgundy Vineyards

Geometric patterns of the famous French wine regions and rolling green hills of central France.

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English Channel

Busy shipping lanes and the first glimpse of the UK coastline near the Seven Sisters.

Sit on the left for the best chance to see the Santorini sunset on evening flights. For departure, look out immediately within the first 2 minutes for the Caldera. This side provides the best lighting during afternoon flights as the sun stays mostly to the south/west.

Right Side Highlights
7.5
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Cyclades Islands

Aerial views of Naxos, Paros, and Mykonos scattered across the deep blue Aegean Sea.

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Mount Olympus

The majestic home of the Greek gods, often visible rising above the clouds in northern Greece.

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Venetian Lagoon

Distances views of the Adriatic's northern tip and the Italian plains of the Po Valley.

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Swiss Alps

Massive mountain massifs including the Eiger and Jungfrau ranges depending on the specific airway.

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Greater Paris

Distant views of the French capital and the sprawling urban landscape of the Paris Basin.

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London Skyline

Potential views of the Shard and Canary Wharf if the approach to Gatwick involves a northern loop.

Choose the right side if you are flying in the morning to avoid direct sun glare. It offers excellent views of the Aegean island chain early in the flight. Keep an eye out for the distinctive peak of Mount Olympus approximately 45 minutes after departure.

Top Activities in London
Route Information

Distance: 2,611 km (1,622 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 29 min

Departure: JTR (36.39920043945313, 25.47929954528809)

Arrival: LGW (51.148102, -0.190278)

Route Type: International

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