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YOW → LHR
Which side of the plane to sit from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (Ottawa) to London Heathrow Airport (London)?
Left Side of the Plane
The Left Side is superior for transatlantic flights from Canada to the UK because it offers the potential to see the Aurora Borealis during the overnight portion and provides a chance to glimpse the southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet on more northerly tracks.
Quebec Boreal Forest
Vast stretches of dense evergreen forests and frozen lakes immediately after departure from the National Capital Region.
St. Lawrence Estuary
Stunning views of the widening St. Lawrence River as it transitions into the Gulf, often featuring intricate shoreline patterns.
Greenland Ice Sheet
On northerly flight paths, the jagged peaks and massive ice fields of Southern Greenland are visible on the horizon.
Aurora Borealis
On this dark overnight route, the left side provides the best vantage point for viewing the Northern Lights dancing across the subarctic sky.
The Emerald Isle
As you cross the Atlantic, the rugged cliffs of County Donegal or the North Irish coast are often the first landmasses sighted.
Choose a window seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat distortion for nighttime photography. Since this is an overnight flight, the Aurora Borealis is most likely visible 2-4 hours into the journey. Keep your cabin window covered to minimize glare when looking for the lights. As you approach London, the left side often provides a clearer view of the North Sea and the mouth of the Thames.
Montreal Skyline
Shortly after takeoff, you may catch a glimpse of the Olympic Stadium and Mount Royal if the departure path curves south.
Newfoundland Coastline
Views of the rugged, rocky shores of Newfoundland and the iconic Cape Race before heading out over the open ocean.
North Atlantic Shipping Lanes
Clear days offer views of massive cargo ships and tankers navigating the primary maritime routes between Europe and North America.
Windsor Castle
On the standard approach to Heathrow (Runway 27L/R), the right side offers an excellent view of the historic royal residence.
Central London Panoramas
During the final descent or holding patterns, you can often see the London Eye, Shard, and the winding River Thames.
The right side is ideal for views of the sunrise over the Atlantic, though it can make the cabin very bright. For the best views of London during the approach to LHR, the right side is typically better for spotting landmarks like Windsor Castle and the city center if the aircraft is stacked in the Ockham or Biggin holding patterns. Seat choice behind the wing can offer great photos of the wing flaps during the descent over the English countryside.
Distance: 5,346 km (3,322 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 6 hrs 17 min
Departure: YOW (45.3224983215332, -75.66919708251953)
Arrival: LHR (51.4706, -0.461941)
Route Type: International
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