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LHR → SAN
Which side of the plane to sit from London Heathrow Airport (London) to San Diego International Airport (San Diego)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers spectacular views of the southern Greenland coast, the Rocky Mountains, and the world-famous low-altitude approach over downtown San Diego.
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Southern Greenland
Aerial views of the jagged peaks of Cape Farewell and massive icebergs floating in the North Atlantic.
Hudson Bay
The flight path often skims the southern edge of this massive bay, showing the transition to the Canadian Shield.
Rocky Mountains
Vast stretches of snow-capped peaks as the flight traverses the central United States.
Mojave Desert
Stark, beautiful desert landscapes and geometric dry lake beds in the high desert of California.
San Diego Skyline
The legendary final approach into SAN offers a breathtaking close-up view of downtown skyscrapers and Balboa Park.
Sit on the left for the best lighting; since you are flying west, the sun will be to the south, reducing glare on your window. The highlight occurs in the final 5 minutes of the flight; ensure your window shade is up early to catch the thrilling descent directly past the San Diego office towers. In winter, look for the 'diamond dust' effect over the Canadian prairies.
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Greenland Ice Sheet
Witness the immense, blindingly white expanse of the central ice cap and deep glacial crevasses.
Baffin Island
Incredible views of the deep fjords, glaciers, and mountainous terrain of the Canadian Arctic.
Northern Tundra
The abstract patterns of thousands of small, kettle lakes across the Northwest Territories.
Great Salt Lake
The distinct color variations and salt crusts of Utah's massive inland saline lake.
Salton Sea
A massive, shimmering inland lake appearing as a blue oasis in the middle of the California desert.
The right side is superior for viewing the deep Arctic wilderness and the massive scale of Greenland's ice sheet. However, be prepared for intense sun glare during the middle portion of the flight. For the arrival at SAN, the right side offers views of the San Diego Zoo and the northern residential neighborhoods of the city.
Book Hotels in San DiegoDistance: 8,807 km (5,472 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 10 hrs 22 min
Departure: LHR (51.4706, -0.461941)
Arrival: SAN (32.7336006165, -117.190002441)
Route Type: International
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