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MAD → STN
Which side of the plane to sit from Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (Madrid) to London Stansted Airport (London)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is generally superior for this route, offering potential views of Madrid's urban sprawl upon departure, the rugged Basque coastline, the historic beaches of Normandy, and a high probability of seeing the London skyline during the descent into Stansted.
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Madrid Metropolitan Area
Panoramic views of the Spanish capital and the Cuatro Torres Business Area on departure.
Basque Country Coast
Where the Pyrenees meet the sea near San Sebastián and Biarritz.
Loire Valley
The 'Garden of France' featuring winding rivers and glimpses of historic chateaux.
White Cliffs of Etretat
Iconic chalk cliffs and natural arches along the Upper Normandy coast.
London Cityscape
On many arrival patterns, you can see the Shard, the Thames, and the City of London as you descend.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid the direct sun. To maximize the London view, check the wind direction; a southerly wind often results in an approach path that circles the city to the east, providing a perfect view of the landmarks.
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Sierra de Guadarrama
Dramatic views of the snow-capped peaks north of Madrid shortly after takeoff.
Bay of Biscay
A vast crossing over the deep blue waters of the Atlantic between Spain and France.
Brittany Peninsula
The westernmost tip of France with its jagged coastline and numerous lighthouses.
Cherbourg-en-Cotentin
The deep-water port at the northern tip of the Cotentin Peninsula in Normandy.
Choose the left side if you enjoy endless ocean horizons and the rugged Atlantic edge of France. For afternoon flights, the sun will be on this side, so expect some glare; window shades might be necessary until the sun begins to set.
Get eSIMs for Spain
Get eSIMs for United KingdomDistance: 1,302 km (809 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 44 min
Departure: MAD (40.471926, -3.56264)
Arrival: STN (51.8849983215, 0.234999999404)
Route Type: International
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