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LTN destination photo
MAD destination photo

LTNMAD

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side provides a more dramatic perspective, featuring the French Atlantic coastline, the Bay of Biscay, and the rugged Sierra de Guadarrama mountains during the descent into Madrid.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🌳

Chiltern Hills

Immediate views of the rolling green landscapes of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty west of Luton.

🏖️

French Atlantic Coast

The rugged western edges of Normandy and Brittany, followed by the long sandy stretches of the Silver Coast.

🌊

Bay of Biscay

Vast ocean views where the deep blue water meets the northern Spanish coast near San Sebastian.

⛰️

Western Pyrenees

The dramatic meeting point of the mountains and the sea as you cross from France into the Basque Country.

🏔️

Sierra de Guadarrama

A stunning mountain range northwest of Madrid, frequently snow-capped from November through April.

The right side is the 'cool' side for morning departures, keeping the cabin shaded. The highlight is the final approach; the plane often banks over the Sierra de Guadarrama, providing an incredible close-up of the peaks. In summer, watch for the stark color contrast between the green French forests and the arid, red-soiled Spanish Meseta.

Left Side Highlights
7.4
🏙️

Greater London

Distant views of the London skyline and the M25 orbital motorway shortly after takeoff.

🚢

The English Channel

High-altitude views of one of the world's busiest shipping lanes and the French coastline near Dieppe.

🏰

Loire Valley

The winding Loire River and the historic landscape of central France, known for its royal chateaus.

🏔️

Central Pyrenees

The highest peaks of the mountain range dividing France and Spain, often visible to the south-east.

🍇

Rioja Wine Region

The patchwork of vineyards and the Ebro River valley as the flight enters Spanish airspace.

Choose the left side for afternoon or evening flights to benefit from the sun being on the opposite side, which reduces glare for photography. Keep an eye out for the Ebro River's distinctive curves. On arrival at Barajas, the left side often provides a great view of the award-winning architecture of Terminal 4.

Top Activities in Madrid
Route Information

Distance: 1,291 km (802 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 43 min

Departure: LTN (51.87469863891602, -0.36833301186561584)

Arrival: MAD (40.471926, -3.56264)

Route Type: International

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