The left side combines a scenic coastal departure from Aberdeen with the classic low-altitude flyover of central London on approach to Heathrow, giving it a clear edge over the right side's more modest highland and suburban views.
Flown ABZ to LHR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Aberdeen to London is 402 miles (647 km), a flight of about 1 hour 25 minutes.
The route tracks south over the Firth of Forth near Edinburgh, then across Northumberland and the Yorkshire Dales before crossing the flat farmland of the East Midlands en route to London.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from ABZ
LEFTDeparting Aberdeen southbound, the left (east) side looks straight down the North Sea coast, taking in Aberdeen's harbour, the city's granite rooftops, and the cliffs toward Stonehaven as the aircraft climbs. The right side mostly shows the lower Grampian foothills, which are pleasant but less distinct at this altitude.
Landing at LHR
LEFTUnder typical westerly operations, arrivals from the north are vectored out over London before turning back to land on 27L/27R, and the descent path runs just north of the Thames. This puts Canary Wharf, the London Eye, and the river itself on the left side, while the right side faces the quieter northern suburbs.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Dyce (ABZ) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Aberdeen to London. The left side combines a scenic coastal departure from Aberdeen with the classic low-altitude flyover of central London on approach to Heathrow, giving it a clear edge over the right side's more modest highland and suburban views.
What can I see during takeoff from Dyce in Aberdeen?
During takeoff from Dyce (ABZ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Aberdeen southbound, the left (east) side looks straight down the North Sea coast, taking in Aberdeen's harbour, the city's granite rooftops, and the cliffs toward Stonehaven as the aircraft climbs. The right side mostly shows the lower Grampian foothills, which are pleasant but less distinct at this altitude. Notable sights include: Aberdeen Harbour, River Dee estuary, North Sea coastline, Stonehaven cliffs.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Under typical westerly operations, arrivals from the north are vectored out over London before turning back to land on 27L/27R, and the descent path runs just north of the Thames. This puts Canary Wharf, the London Eye, and the river itself on the left side, while the right side faces the quieter northern suburbs. Notable sights include: River Thames, Canary Wharf towers, London Eye and Big Ben, Battersea Power Station.
How long is the flight from Aberdeen to London?
The flight from Dyce (ABZ) to Heathrow (LHR) takes about 1 hour 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 402 miles (647 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Aberdeen to London flight path pass over?
The route tracks south over the Firth of Forth near Edinburgh, then across Northumberland and the Yorkshire Dales before crossing the flat farmland of the East Midlands en route to London.