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PEK → LGW
Which side of the plane to sit from Beijing Capital International Airport (Beijing) to London Gatwick Airport (London)?
Left Side of the Plane
The Left Side provides superior lighting throughout the journey as the sun stays mostly to the south. It offers breathtaking views of the Gobi Desert, the sprawling city of Moscow, and a scenic approach over the English countryside toward Gatwick.
Gobi Desert
Vast stretches of yellow sand dunes and rocky formations across Inner Mongolia and Southern Mongolia.
Southern Ural Mountains
The ancient boundary between Asia and Europe featuring weathered peaks and deep river valleys.
Moscow Metropolitan Area
On clear days, the dense urban sprawl of the Russian capital is visible as the flight traverses Western Russia.
Baltic Coastline
Bird's eye views of the intricate coastlines of Lithuania and Kaliningrad during the transition to Central Europe.
English Countryside
The green patchwork fields of Kent and Sussex as the aircraft descends toward London Gatwick.
Sit on the left for better photography as the sun will be behind or above you, preventing glare. This side is particularly spectacular during the first 3 hours for the desert and the final hour for the approach into the UK. If it is a morning departure, expect bright illumination of the Russian landscape around mid-flight.
Lake Baikal
The world's deepest and oldest freshwater lake, visible as a massive blue crescent in the Siberian wilderness.
Siberian Taiga
A seemingly endless expanse of coniferous forests and winding river systems like the Ob and Yenisei.
Northern Ural Peaks
Rugged, snow-capped mountains marking the continental divide between Europe and Asia.
The North Sea
Views of offshore wind farms and shipping lanes as the flight leaves the European mainland.
Thames Estuary
The widening mouth of the River Thames as the aircraft crosses into British airspace.
The right side is essential for seeing Lake Baikal, which is the most significant natural landmark on this route. However, you may face more direct sunlight and window glare. In winter, keep an eye out for the Aurora Borealis if the flight path takes a more northerly track during the dark hours over Siberia.
Distance: 8,165 km (5,073 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 9 hrs 36 min
Departure: PEK (40.0801010131836, 116.58499908447266)
Arrival: LGW (51.148102, -0.190278)
Route Type: International
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