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NRT โ LHR
Which side of the plane to sit from Narita International Airport (Tokyo) to London Heathrow Airport (London)?
Left Side of the Plane
The Left side is generally superior for this route due to the high probability of witnessing the Aurora Borealis during winter months and the spectacular views of the rugged northern Greenland coastline and the High Arctic pack ice.
Arctic Pack Ice
Stunning views of the fragmented ice sheets and the deep blue leads of the Arctic Ocean near the North Pole.
Aurora Borealis
Frequent sightings of the Northern Lights during the dark winter months as the flight passes through the auroral oval.
Northern Greenland
Visuals of the dramatic, jagged mountain peaks and deep-cut fjords of Peary Land and the northernmost coast.
Norwegian Sea
The transition from the frozen north to the choppy, deep blue waters as the plane nears the European continent.
Scottish Highlands
First views of the United Kingdom featuring the rugged, green, and misty terrain of northern Scotland.
For the best chance to see the Northern Lights, book a flight that travels during the Northern Hemisphere's winter (October to March). Use a dark jacket or blanket to block cabin light reflections against the window for better night photography. The middle section of the flight offers the most pristine wilderness views.
Bering Strait
The iconic crossing point where the Asian and North American continents are separated by a narrow stretch of water.
Alaskan Ranges
Distant but majestic views of the snow-capped mountains of northern Alaska as the flight tracks toward the pole.
Greenland Ice Sheet
The immense, flat, and blindingly white expanse of the world's second-largest body of ice.
Icelandic Glaciers
If the flight path dips south, you may see the massive Vatnajรถkull glacier and volcanic coastlines.
London Skyline
A premier view of the Thames, the Shard, and the London Eye during the standard approach into Heathrow.
The right side is the 'money seat' for the landing. If the wind is from the West (the most common direction), the plane will fly past central London. Keep your window shade open during the final 20 minutes of the flight to capture the city's landmarks. During summer, the 24-hour Arctic sun will stay on this side of the aircraft for much of the journey.
Distance: 9,592 km (5,960 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 11 hrs 17 min
Departure: NRT (35.764701843299996, 140.386001587)
Arrival: LHR (51.4706, -0.461941)
Route Type: International
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