Both departure and arrival favor the right side with Auckland's harbor skyline on takeoff and London's Thames-side skyline on landing, while the long mid-ocean cruise phase offers little scenery on either side to change the balance.
Flight Path
The route crosses the vast South Pacific Ocean and later the South Atlantic, passing well south of most landmasses; on clear stretches near the midpoint, the southern tip of South America, including the Patagonian coastline and occasional glimpses of the Andes foothills, may be visible in the distance before the flight continues over open Atlantic waters toward Africa and Europe.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from AKL
RIGHTDeparting AKL on runway 23L, the initial climb-out banks give right-side passengers a good look at Auckland's Waitemata Harbour, the CBD skyline, and Rangitoto Island's volcanic cone before the aircraft turns out over open water. The left side mostly shows the flatter Manukau Harbour and Tasman coastline with less contrast.
Landing at LHR
RIGHTOn a typical westerly approach into LHR, aircraft track in from the east over south London before turning onto final for 27L/27R, and the right side offers clearer views north across the Thames toward the City of London and Canary Wharf during this turn. The left side mostly faces open suburban terrain with fewer identifiable landmarks.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Auckland International (AKL) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Auckland to London. Both departure and arrival favor the right side with Auckland's harbor skyline on takeoff and London's Thames-side skyline on landing, while the long mid-ocean cruise phase offers little scenery on either side to change the balance.
What can I see during takeoff from Auckland International in Auckland?
During takeoff from Auckland International (AKL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing AKL on runway 23L, the initial climb-out banks give right-side passengers a good look at Auckland's Waitemata Harbour, the CBD skyline, and Rangitoto Island's volcanic cone before the aircraft turns out over open water. The left side mostly shows the flatter Manukau Harbour and Tasman coastline with less contrast. Notable sights include: Auckland CBD skyline, Waitemata Harbour, Rangitoto Island, Hauraki Gulf islands.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. On a typical westerly approach into LHR, aircraft track in from the east over south London before turning onto final for 27L/27R, and the right side offers clearer views north across the Thames toward the City of London and Canary Wharf during this turn. The left side mostly faces open suburban terrain with fewer identifiable landmarks. Notable sights include: River Thames, Canary Wharf towers, City of London skyline, London Eye area.
How long is the flight from Auckland to London?
The flight from Auckland International (AKL) to Heathrow (LHR) takes 17h 30m.
What does the Auckland to London flight path pass over?
The route crosses the vast South Pacific Ocean and later the South Atlantic, passing well south of most landmasses; on clear stretches near the midpoint, the southern tip of South America, including the Patagonian coastline and occasional glimpses of the Andes foothills, may be visible in the distance before the flight continues over open Atlantic waters toward Africa and Europe.