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LGW → MAD
Which side of the plane to sit from London Gatwick Airport (London) to Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (Madrid)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a consistent view of the French mainland, the highest peaks of the Pyrenees, and the dramatic landscape changes from lush green France to the arid Spanish Meseta.
Search flights from LGW to MAD
South Downs & Sussex Coast
Shortly after takeoff, view the rolling chalk hills and the iconic white cliffs of the Sussex coastline.
Bordeaux Wine Region
Stunning aerial views of the perfectly manicured vineyards and chateaus of the Gironde department.
Central Pyrenees
Unrivaled views of the highest peaks in the range, often snow-capped well into the early summer months.
Spanish Meseta
The high plateau of central Spain, featuring historic towns and deep orange soil contrasting with blue skies.
For morning flights, the sun is on the left, which might cause glare; afternoon flights are ideal for the left side as the sun moves west. Look for the Garonne river winding through Bordeaux about midway through the flight.
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Isle of Wight
On clear days, see the Solent and the western tip of the island including the famous Needles rock formation.
Bay of Biscay
A massive expanse of the Atlantic Ocean meeting the rugged coastline of the Basque Country.
San Sebastián
The distinctive shell-shaped bay of La Concha is often visible as the plane enters Spanish airspace.
Sierra de Guadarrama
Majestic granite mountain ranges that serve as the gateway to the Madrid region during the final descent.
The right side is excellent for morning flights to avoid direct sunlight. During the approach into Madrid Barajas, keep your eyes peeled for the Cuatro Torres skyscrapers if the plane approaches from the north.
Book Hotels in MadridDistance: 1,215 km (755 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 37 min
Departure: LGW (51.148102, -0.190278)
Arrival: MAD (40.471926, -3.56264)
Route Type: International
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