The left side wins because it captures the most dramatic and varied scenery across the whole flight: Athens and the Saronic Gulf at takeoff, then the Adriatic coastline, the Italian peninsula, and glimpses of the southern Alps during cruise, compared to the right side's long stretch of open Aegean and Balkan plains before only gaining interest again near London on descent.
Flown ATH to LGW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Athens to London is 1,487 miles (2,393 km), a flight of about 3 hours 50 minutes.
The flight path's midpoint falls near the Adriatic Sea and northern Italy, roughly over the Po Valley and the eastern foothills of the Apennines, with the Adriatic coastline and faint outlines of the southern Alps visible to the north.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ATH
LEFTDeparting ATH on the northerly 03 configuration, the aircraft climbs out over the Mesogeia plain and then banks west toward the London routing, putting Athens city, the Acropolis hill, and the Saronic Gulf on the left. The right side only shows the open Aegean and Evia island, which is far less distinctive.
Landing at LGW
RIGHTArrivals into Gatwick from the southeast typically track over Kent and Surrey before turning onto final approach for runway 26, putting the London skyline and the Thames basin on the right side of the aircraft. The left side mostly shows the rolling farmland of the Sussex Weald with no major landmarks.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) to Gatwick (LGW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Athens to London. The left side wins because it captures the most dramatic and varied scenery across the whole flight: Athens and the Saronic Gulf at takeoff, then the Adriatic coastline, the Italian peninsula, and glimpses of the southern Alps during cruise, compared to the right side's long stretch of open Aegean and Balkan plains before only gaining interest again near London on descent.
What can I see during takeoff from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos in Athens?
During takeoff from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing ATH on the northerly 03 configuration, the aircraft climbs out over the Mesogeia plain and then banks west toward the London routing, putting Athens city, the Acropolis hill, and the Saronic Gulf on the left. The right side only shows the open Aegean and Evia island, which is far less distinctive. Notable sights include: Acropolis and central Athens skyline, Mount Hymettus ridge, Piraeus harbor, Saronic Gulf.
What can I see when landing at Gatwick in London?
When landing at Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arrivals into Gatwick from the southeast typically track over Kent and Surrey before turning onto final approach for runway 26, putting the London skyline and the Thames basin on the right side of the aircraft. The left side mostly shows the rolling farmland of the Sussex Weald with no major landmarks. Notable sights include: London skyline (Shard, Canary Wharf) in the distance, North Downs ridge, Surrey countryside, Gatwick's surrounding woodland.
How long is the flight from Athens to London?
The flight from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) to Gatwick (LGW) takes about 3 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,487 miles (2,393 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Athens to London flight path pass over?
The flight path's midpoint falls near the Adriatic Sea and northern Italy, roughly over the Po Valley and the eastern foothills of the Apennines, with the Adriatic coastline and faint outlines of the southern Alps visible to the north.