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TSE → LHR
Which side of the plane to sit from Astana International Airport (Tselinograd) to London Heathrow Airport (London)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is the clear winner for this route, offering a front-row seat to the southern Ural Mountains early in the flight and the iconic aerial tour of London's landmarks upon arrival at Heathrow.
Southern Urals
View the rugged tail end of the Ural Mountains, the geographical boundary between Asia and Europe, shortly after departure.
The Volga River
Cross the mighty Volga, the longest river in Europe, often reflecting the sunlight near the city of Samara.
Dutch Polders
See the fascinating reclaimed land and intricate canal systems of the Netherlands before crossing the North Sea.
Central London Skyline
During the typical westerly approach to Heathrow, see the London Eye, the Shard, and Tower Bridge in stunning detail.
The 'London Tour' is best seen from the right side. When LHR is landing to the west (the most common configuration), planes follow the Thames. For the best Ural Mountain views, stay alert during the first 90 minutes of the flight. Seasonal tip: in winter, the frozen rivers of the steppe look like silver veins from this height.
Kazakh Steppes
Witness the immense, seemingly endless golden plains of central Kazakhstan immediately after takeoff from Astana.
Don River
Catch glimpses of the wide, winding Don River as it flows through the fertile agricultural heartlands of Western Russia.
Carpathian Distant Peaks
On clear days, the jagged peaks of the Carpathian Mountains may be visible to the south as you transit over Poland.
South London Suburbs
As you descend into LHR, enjoy views of the lush green spaces of the North Downs and the sprawl of South London.
Sit on the left if you prefer softer lighting for photography, as the sun will be on the opposite side for much of the westbound journey. This side is also excellent for spotting the patchwork quilt of European farmlands through Germany and Belgium.
Distance: 4,797 km (2,981 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 5 hrs 39 min
Departure: TSE (51.02220153808594, 71.46690368652344)
Arrival: LHR (51.4706, -0.461941)
Route Type: International
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