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RDU destination photo
LHR destination photo

RDU โ†’ LHR

Our Recommendation
8.2

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a front-row seat to the US Eastern Seaboard during the first leg and provides the earliest glimpses of the lush green landscapes of Ireland and Wales upon arrival in Europe.

Left Side Highlights
8.2
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Chesapeake Bay

Dramatic aerial views of the massive estuary and the intricate Delmarva Peninsula shortly after takeoff.

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Long Island Shoreline

Clear views of the South Shore beaches, the Hamptons, and the lighthouse at Montauk Point.

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Maritime Provinces

If the flight path tracks north, look for the rugged, rocky coastlines of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.

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The Emerald Isle

First landfall often reveals the striking green patchwork fields of Southern Ireland near Cork or Waterford.

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Cardiff & South Wales

Excellent views across the Bristol Channel toward the Welsh capital and the Severn Bridges during descent.

Since this is typically an overnight flight, the best views are during the first 90 minutes after RDU departure (dusk/sunset) and the final hour before LHR arrival (morning). Sit well forward of the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of the coastline and to avoid heat haze from the engines. Keep an eye out for the aurora borealis if your flight takes a high-latitude route during winter months.

Right Side Highlights
7.8
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NYC Distant Skyline

On clear nights, the glowing grid of Manhattan and the surrounding boroughs is visible to the east.

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North Atlantic Sunrise

A spectacular sunrise over the ocean as the plane races toward the morning sun over the mid-Atlantic.

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Thames Valley

The winding River Thames becomes visible as the aircraft maneuvers through the London hold patterns.

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Windsor Castle

A frequent highlight on the final approach into Heathrow, offering a bird's-eye view of the historic royal estate.

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Central London Panoramas

Depending on the landing direction, you may see the London Eye, The Shard, and the City's financial district.

The right side is the 'sunrise side'โ€”perfect for early birds who want to see the dawn break over the Atlantic. For the LHR arrival, if the wind is from the west (westerly operations), the right side often gets a spectacular view of Windsor Castle just minutes before touchdown. If the plane is stacked in the 'Ockham' or 'Biggin' hold, you'll get multiple angles of the Greater London area.

Top Activities in London
Route Information

Distance: 6,216 km (3,862 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 7 hrs 19 min

Departure: RDU (35.877601623535156, -78.7874984741211)

Arrival: LHR (51.4706, -0.461941)

Route Type: International

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