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LHR → CGN
Which side of the plane to sit from London Heathrow Airport (London) to Cologne Bonn Airport (Cologne)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior for this route as it offers iconic views of the London skyline and the Thames Estuary during departure, followed by the Belgian coastline and a better chance of spotting Cologne's city center on approach.
London Skyline
Excellent views of the Shard, Canary Wharf, and the winding River Thames immediately after take-off from Heathrow.
Thames Estuary
Observe the sprawling mudflats and the transition from the river into the North Sea at the edge of the Kent and Essex coasts.
Belgian Coastline
Clear views of the major shipping port of Zeebrugge and the sandy beaches of Knokke-Heist during the mid-flight cruise.
Offshore Wind Farms
Spot the massive arrays of wind turbines situated in the North Sea between the UK and the European continent.
Cologne Cityscape
During the descent, catch a glimpse of the twin spires of the Cologne Cathedral if the flight path approaches from the northwest.
Book a window seat ahead of the wing to avoid engine glare. For morning flights, the left side faces north, providing the most consistent lighting for photos without direct sunlight flare.
The Garden of England
Deep green landscapes of the Kent countryside, featuring historic estates and traditional hop kilns.
White Cliffs Area
Distant views of the iconic chalk cliffs near Dover may be visible depending on the specific air corridor assigned.
Ardennes Foothills
As you cross the border from Belgium to Germany, watch for the dense forests and rolling terrain of the Ardennes region.
Rhine River Activity
Look for the heavy commercial barge traffic navigating the industrial heart of the Rhine valley just before landing.
The right side is ideal for evening flights to catch the sunset over the European continent. Ensure you are familiar with the Eifel mountain range location to spot the volcanic hills during the final 15 minutes.
Distance: 534 km (332 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 53 min
Departure: LHR (51.4706, -0.461941)
Arrival: CGN (50.8658981323, 7.1427397728)
Route Type: International
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