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LGW → HEL
Which side of the plane to sit from London Gatwick Airport (London) to Helsinki Vantaa Airport (Helsinki)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior for this route as it offers the most direct views of the stunning Finnish Archipelago and the rugged Swedish coastline during the descent into Helsinki.
East Anglian Coast
Clear views of the Suffolk coastline as the aircraft leaves the UK and heads out over the North Sea.
Danish Peninsulas
Aerial perspective of the Jutland peninsula and the complex network of islands that make up Denmark.
Swedish Wilderness
The flight path often crosses over the vast forests and numerous inland lakes of Southern Sweden.
The Archipelago Sea
A breathtaking view of thousands of small islands and skerries as you approach the Finnish mainland.
Helsinki Approach
Depending on the wind, the left side often provides a panoramic view of downtown Helsinki and its harbors.
Choose a window seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat haze. On morning flights, the sun is on the opposite side, providing perfect lighting for photography of the Finnish islands. During winter, look for the patterns of sea ice forming in the Baltic.
Dutch Coastline
Distant views of the massive port infrastructures and wind farms off the coast of the Netherlands.
Öresund Bridge
The iconic road and rail bridge-tunnel connecting Copenhagen, Denmark, to Malmö, Sweden.
Gotland and Öland
The large Swedish islands in the Baltic Sea are often visible as distinct landmasses to the south.
Estonian Horizon
On clear days, the city of Tallinn and the Estonian coastline are visible across the Gulf of Finland during descent.
The right side is ideal for spotting major engineering landmarks like the Öresund Bridge. Be aware that during mid-day flights, the southern exposure can lead to significant glare; keep your window shade partially down until the aircraft begins its turn toward the airport.
Distance: 1,858 km (1,155 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 29 min
Departure: LGW (51.148102, -0.190278)
Arrival: HEL (60.317199707031, 24.963300704956)
Route Type: International
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