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STN → ALC
Which side of the plane to sit from London Stansted Airport (London) to Alicante International Airport (Alicante)?
Left Side of the Plane
The Left Side is superior for its dramatic views of the central Pyrenees and the iconic Costa Blanca coastline upon descent.
Thames Estuary
Aerial views of the eastern London suburbs and the winding Thames as you head south.
English Channel
Look down at the world's busiest shipping lanes connecting the UK and France.
Central Pyrenees
Dramatic snowy peaks and rugged valleys as the plane crosses into Spanish airspace.
Ebro Valley
The lush green contrast of the Ebro river winding through the arid landscapes of Aragon.
Benidorm Skyline
The famous high-rise buildings and sandy stretches of the Costa Blanca during descent.
For morning flights, the left side avoids direct sunlight glare. As you approach Alicante, keep your eyes peeled for the rugged Ebro Valley. The real highlight is the descent over the Costa Blanca; if the plane loops around for a northern approach, you will see the famous skyline of Benidorm and white sand beaches in great detail.
French Atlantic Coast
Views of the sandy bays and coastal towns of western France, including the Gironde Estuary.
Bordeaux Vineyards
The geometric patterns of the world-famous wine region from high altitude.
Western Pyrenees
Greener, rolling mountains near the Basque border transition into the Spanish plateau.
Castilian Plains
The vast, ochre-colored landscapes of the Spanish interior with scattered historic villages.
Santa Barbara Castle
A stunning view of the historic fortress on Mount Benacantil just before touchdown.
The right side is perfect for late afternoon or evening flights to catch the sunset over the Iberian Peninsula. You will get a better view of the French Atlantic coastline near Bordeaux. During the final moments before landing, the right side usually provides a clear view of the city of Alicante and the historic Santa Barbara Castle perched on Mount Benacantil.
Distance: 1,514 km (941 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 1 min
Departure: STN (51.8849983215, 0.234999999404)
Arrival: ALC (38.28219985961914, -0.5581560134887695)
Route Type: International
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