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LGW → OPO
Which side of the plane to sit from London Gatwick Airport (London) to Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport (Porto)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior mix of historic French landmarks, the dramatic Picos de Europa mountain range in Spain, and the most iconic views of the Douro River and Porto's city center during the final approach.
Mont Saint-Michel
Depending on the specific airway over Normandy, you may spot the iconic tidal island abbey off the French coast.
La Rochelle and Île de Ré
Clear views of the historic French port and the long bridge connecting the mainland to the island.
Picos de Europa
As you cross the Bay of Biscay, the jagged limestone peaks of Northern Spain rise prominently on the horizon.
Douro Valley
During the descent, watch for the winding river and the world-famous terraced vineyards of the Port wine region.
Porto Ribeira District
On the standard approach from the north, the left side provides the best view of the historic city center and the Luis I Bridge.
For the best experience, choose a seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat haze. On morning flights, the sun will be behind you, providing excellent lighting for photos of the French coast and the Douro Valley. If the aircraft performs a 'circle to land' from the south, the left side remains the prime spot for seeing the Ribeira district.
Isle of Wight
Shortly after departure from Gatwick, you can often see the eastern tip of the island and the Solent.
Bay of Biscay
A vast expanse of the deep blue Atlantic Ocean, often showcasing cargo ships and atmospheric cloud formations.
Costa Verde
The lush, green coastline of Northern Portugal and the surf-heavy beaches of Matosinhos appear during the final minutes of flight.
Atlantic Horizon
On evening flights, this side offers an uninterrupted view of the sun setting over the ocean.
The right side is ideal for late afternoon or evening departures, as you will witness a spectacular sunset over the Atlantic. If the flight path takes you further west over Brittany, you may see the rugged peninsulas of Western France. During landing, you will get a great view of the Port of Leixões and the Atlantic coastline.
Distance: 1,278 km (794 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 42 min
Departure: LGW (51.148102, -0.190278)
Arrival: OPO (41.2481002808, -8.68138980865)
Route Type: International
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