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SAN → LHR
Which side of the plane to sit from San Diego International Airport (San Diego) to London Heathrow Airport (London)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is the clear winner for this polar-adjacent route, offering the best views of the Greenland ice sheet and the highest probability of witnessing the Aurora Borealis during the overnight crossing.
Mojave Desert
Dramatic aerial views of the arid California desert and high-altitude plateaus shortly after departure.
Canadian Shield
The vast, lake-dotted wilderness of Northern Canada, featuring remote tundra and frozen landscapes.
Greenland Ice Sheet
A breathtaking expanse of glaciers and icebergs, typically visible during the middle of the flight.
Aurora Borealis
Excellent chances to see the Northern Lights from the dark, northern-facing side of the aircraft at night.
Windsor Castle
The historic royal residence is often visible during the final descent when landing from the west.
Sit on the left (port) side for the best chance to see the Northern Lights, as this side faces North during the transatlantic crossing. This is an overnight flight, so pack a camera with low-light capabilities. On arrival into LHR, if the flight follows the common 'Westerlies' approach, the left side provides an iconic view of Windsor Castle just minutes before touchdown.
Grand Canyon North
Distant views of the winding Colorado River and the rugged northern rim of the canyon system.
Great Lakes
Sweeping views of the shorelines of Lake Michigan or Lake Huron depending on the specific flight path.
St. Lawrence River
The major waterway connecting the Great Lakes to the Atlantic, often showing the lights of Montreal.
Irish Coastline
The first sight of Europe, featuring the rugged cliffs and lush green fields of the Emerald Isle.
Central London
Spectacular views of the Thames, the Shard, and the London Eye if the plane approaches from the East.
The right side offers better views of the American Southwest during the initial climb. For the arrival, if Heathrow is operating on an 'Easterly' flow (less common), the right side offers a magnificent panorama of the entire London skyline. Keep your window shade down during the middle of the night to avoid disturbing other passengers, but peek out as you approach the UK for the morning sunrise.
Distance: 8,807 km (5,472 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 10 hrs 22 min
Departure: SAN (32.7336006165, -117.190002441)
Arrival: LHR (51.4706, -0.461941)
Route Type: International
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