While takeoff offers mountain views on the right, the landing approach provides more dramatic and sustained scenery with the Surrey Hills and Thames Valley clearly visible on the left. The landing views are more visually rewarding for the majority of passengers.
Flown ABZ to LGW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Aberdeen to London is 426 miles (686 km), a flight of about 1 hour 25 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Pennines (visible as moorland and hills in the Midlands), then passes over the East Midlands industrial region and the Midlands plateau. The Cotswolds appear as rolling hills in the approach to southern England. The Thames Valley becomes increasingly visible as the aircraft descends toward London.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from ABZ
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Grampian Mountains and the North Sea coastline as the aircraft climbs southwestward from Aberdeen. The mountains form a dramatic backdrop to the west, while the coast curves away to the northeast.
Landing at LGW
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views of the Surrey Hills and the Thames Valley as the aircraft descends toward Gatwick from the north. The rolling chalk hills and the river's meandering path through the landscape are clearly visible during final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Dyce (ABZ) to Gatwick (LGW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Aberdeen to London. While takeoff offers mountain views on the right, the landing approach provides more dramatic and sustained scenery with the Surrey Hills and Thames Valley clearly visible on the left. The landing views are more visually rewarding for the majority of passengers.
What can I see during takeoff from Dyce in Aberdeen?
During takeoff from Dyce (ABZ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Grampian Mountains and the North Sea coastline as the aircraft climbs southwestward from Aberdeen. The mountains form a dramatic backdrop to the west, while the coast curves away to the northeast. Notable sights include: Grampian Mountains, North Sea coastline, River Dee estuary, Stonehaven cliffs.
What can I see when landing at Gatwick in London?
When landing at Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views of the Surrey Hills and the Thames Valley as the aircraft descends toward Gatwick from the north. The rolling chalk hills and the river's meandering path through the landscape are clearly visible during final approach. Notable sights include: Surrey Hills, River Thames, Reigate and Dorking towns, Gatwick approach corridor over West Sussex farmland.
How long is the flight from Aberdeen to London?
The flight from Dyce (ABZ) to Gatwick (LGW) takes about 1 hour 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 426 miles (686 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Aberdeen to London flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Pennines (visible as moorland and hills in the Midlands), then passes over the East Midlands industrial region and the Midlands plateau. The Cotswolds appear as rolling hills in the approach to southern England. The Thames Valley becomes increasingly visible as the aircraft descends toward London.