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KRK → LGW
Which side of the plane to sit from Kraków John Paul II International Airport (Krakow) to London Gatwick Airport (London)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior vantage point for spotting the distant Tatra Mountains upon departure, crossing the English Channel with views of the French coast, and the rolling chalk hills of the South Downs during the final descent into Gatwick.
High Tatra Mountains
On clear days, the snow-capped peaks of the Polish and Slovakian border are visible to the south during the initial climb.
Wawel Royal Castle
A brief but stunning view of Krakow's historic center and the Vistula River immediately following takeoff.
Thuringian Forest
Fly over the deep green heart of Germany, characterized by dense woodlands and undulating hills.
English Channel
Panoramic views of the busy maritime shipping lanes and the coastline of Northern France as you cross toward the UK.
South Downs National Park
The iconic white chalk ridges and lush greenery of the Sussex countryside appear during the descent into LGW.
For morning departures, the left side is shaded, providing better conditions for photography. If the aircraft approaches Gatwick from the south, look out for the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs approximately 15 minutes before landing.
Silesian Urban Area
View the vast industrial landscape and sprawling urban centers of Southern Poland shortly after departure.
Rotterdam Port Area
As the flight nears the North Sea, the massive infrastructure of Europe's largest seaport is often visible on the horizon.
London Skyline
On clear days and specific arrival patterns, the Shard and Canary Wharf can be spotted in the distance to the north.
The Weald of Kent
Beautiful views of the 'Garden of England' with its distinct patchwork of orchards, hop farms, and oast houses.
The right side is ideal for afternoon or sunset flights to capture the golden hour over the European continent. It also offers a higher chance of seeing the distant London skyline if the plane is placed in a holding pattern near Biggin Hill.
Distance: 1,410 km (876 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 53 min
Departure: KRK (50.077702, 19.7848)
Arrival: LGW (51.148102, -0.190278)
Route Type: International
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