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RUH → LHR
Which side of the plane to sit from King Khaled International Airport (Riyadh) to London Heathrow Airport (London)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side (Seat A) is generally superior for this route, offering a more dramatic transition from the arid Arabian deserts to the lush Nile Delta, followed by a majestic traversal of the snow-capped Alps and a high probability of viewing Central London's iconic landmarks during the final approach.
Hejaz Mountains
Rugged volcanic peaks and ancient valleys of Western Saudi Arabia.
Nile Delta
The striking green contrast of the Egyptian delta against the surrounding Sahara desert.
The Swiss Alps
Stunning vistas of Europe's highest peaks, including the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc depending on the path.
Central London
Unmatched views of the Shard, Tower Bridge, and the Thames on the standard 'River Approach'.
London Eye
A clear view of the South Bank and Westminster during the descent into Heathrow.
Book an 'A' window seat for the best experience. On daytime departures, the sun will typically be on the left/south side, so keep window shades down during the mid-flight to avoid glare, but open them over Europe for the Alps. The London approach from the east is the highlight; if the wind is from the west, the left side sees the city center perfectly.
The Dead Sea
The shimmering blue and turquoise hues of the lowest point on Earth.
Greek Islands
A mosaic of islands scattered across the deep blue Aegean Sea.
Bavarian Plains
Neat geometric patterns of German farmland and dense European forests.
White Cliffs of Dover
The iconic chalky coastline as the aircraft crosses from France into English airspace.
Windsor Castle
The world's largest occupied castle is often visible on the right when landing from the west.
A 'K' window seat is ideal for those who prefer the geography of the Levant and the coastal views of the Mediterranean islands. This side stays cooler during afternoon flights as it faces north away from the sun. Keep an eye out for Windsor Castle during the final seconds before touchdown if the plane approaches from the east.
Distance: 4,941 km (3,070 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 5 hrs 49 min
Departure: RUH (24.957599639892575, 46.69879913330078)
Arrival: LHR (51.4706, -0.461941)
Route Type: International
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