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LGW → FCO
Which side of the plane to sit from London Gatwick Airport (London) to Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (Rome)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides the most iconic views of the high Swiss and Italian Alps, including glimpses of major peaks like the Matterhorn in the distance, followed by a scenic descent over the heart of Tuscany and Umbria.
English Weald
Lush green landscapes of Kent and East Sussex immediately after takeoff from Gatwick.
The High Alps
Breathtaking views of the snow-capped Swiss and Italian Alps, often passing near the Aosta Valley.
Lake Trasimeno
The large, shimmering silver lake in the Umbria region is a prominent landmark during the descent.
Tuscan Hills
The rhythmic patterns of vineyards and olive groves characterize the landscape as you enter Italian airspace.
Rome City View
Depending on the landing pattern, you may see the Vatican and the Colosseum in the distance to the east.
Choose a seat in front of the wing for unobstructed views of the Alps, which appear roughly 50-60 minutes into the flight. Morning flights offer the crispest lighting for mountain photography.
English Channel
Clear views of the busy shipping lanes and the French coastline near Dieppe.
Massif Central
The rugged volcanic plateaus of central France are visible to the west of the flight path.
Elba Island
Napoleon's place of exile is often visible as a rugged green jewel in the blue Tyrrhenian Sea.
Maremma Coast
The beautiful, wild coastline of southern Tuscany and northern Lazio as the plane aligns for Fiumicino.
Civitavecchia Port
Spot the massive cruise ships docked at Rome's primary maritime gateway during the final descent.
The right side is ideal for sunset flights, as you will see the sun dipping into the Tyrrhenian Sea. It also offers the best views of the Italian islands if the flight path stays closer to the coast.
Distance: 1,406 km (874 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 52 min
Departure: LGW (51.148102, -0.190278)
Arrival: FCO (41.8002778, 12.2388889)
Route Type: International
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