Loading map...
MAD → LTN
Which side of the plane to sit from Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (Madrid) to London Luton Airport (London)?
Right Side of the Plane
The Right Side is generally superior for this route because it offers the highest probability of viewing the iconic London skyline and the historic landmarks of Southern England during the descent into Luton.
Castilian Meseta
The vast, golden cereal fields of the Spanish high plateau offer a stunning geometric patchwork of colors that change with the seasons.
Basque Mountains
View the lush, emerald-green peaks of the Basque Country near the French border, providing a sharp contrast to the dry plains of central Spain.
English Channel
Look down at one of the world's busiest shipping lanes to see cargo ships and ferries crossing between the UK and mainland Europe.
London Skyline
During the descent, the Shard, the London Eye, and the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf are often visible to the east on clear days.
St Albans Cathedral
A final landmark just south of Luton, the massive Norman tower of the cathedral stands out clearly against the surrounding town and parkland.
Morning flights provide the best lighting for the right side, illuminating the French coast and the English countryside. For the best chance to see London's skyscrapers, hope for an arrival via the LOREL or WILLO waypoints, which often route the plane east of the city before turning back toward Luton.
Madrid Skyline
Catch a glimpse of the Cuatro Torres Business Area and the dense urban sprawl of the Spanish capital immediately after takeoff from Barajas.
Sierra de Guadarrama
Observe the rugged granite peaks and the Peñalara summit of the Central System mountains, which are often snow-capped from late autumn through spring.
Bay of Biscay
Watch the transition from the Spanish coast to the deep blue Atlantic as the flight heads north toward the French coastline.
Isle of Wight
On the final entry into UK airspace, look for the distinctive diamond shape of the island and the white chalk Needles at its western tip.
Chiltern Hills
Enjoy the rolling greenery and ancient woodlands of this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty during the final minutes of the descent.
Select the left side for sunset views on evening flights as the sun dips over the Atlantic. It is also the best side for viewing the Isle of Wight if the aircraft enters the UK via the South Coast. Keep an eye out for the Sierra de Guadarrama within the first 10 minutes of flight.
Distance: 1,291 km (802 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 43 min
Departure: MAD (40.471926, -3.56264)
Arrival: LTN (51.87469863891602, -0.36833301186561584)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.