While takeoff and landing are fairly even, the right side wins the cruise phase: the route passes north over the Adriatic and into the Alps corridor, giving right-side passengers a long stretch of dramatic snow-capped peaks and Adriatic coastline that the left side, dominated by open Mediterranean and flat French/English farmland, cannot match.
Flown ATH to STN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Athens to London is 1,496 miles (2,408 km), a flight of about 3 hours 30 minutes.
Adriatic Sea, Albanian and Italian coastlines, the Alps (Dolomites and Swiss/Austrian ranges), and the plains of eastern France before crossing the English Channel
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ATH
LEFTDeparting ATH on runway 03, the climb-out and left turn toward the northwest give left-side passengers a sweeping view of Athens itself, with the Acropolis, Piraeus harbor, and the Saronic Gulf unfolding below before the coastline of the Peloponnese recedes behind.
Landing at STN
LEFTOn approach into STN from the northeast, the final turn onto runway 22 briefly exposes the left side to the flat patchwork of Essex farmland with the distant London skyline sometimes visible to the south, the only mild variation in an otherwise featureless approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) to Stansted (STN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Athens to London. While takeoff and landing are fairly even, the right side wins the cruise phase: the route passes north over the Adriatic and into the Alps corridor, giving right-side passengers a long stretch of dramatic snow-capped peaks and Adriatic coastline that the left side, dominated by open Mediterranean and flat French/English farmland, cannot match.
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 runway 03, the climb-out and left turn toward the northwest give left-side passengers a sweeping view of Athens itself, with the Acropolis, Piraeus harbor, and the Saronic Gulf unfolding below before the coastline of the Peloponnese recedes behind. Notable sights include: Acropolis and central Athens, Piraeus port, Saronic Gulf, Peloponnese coastline.
What can I see when landing at Stansted in London?
When landing at Stansted (STN), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into STN from the northeast, the final turn onto runway 22 briefly exposes the left side to the flat patchwork of Essex farmland with the distant London skyline sometimes visible to the south, the only mild variation in an otherwise featureless approach. Notable sights include: Essex countryside patchwork, River Thames estuary in the distance, faint London skyline on clear days.
How long is the flight from Athens to London?
The flight from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) to Stansted (STN) takes about 3 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,496 miles (2,408 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Athens to London flight path pass over?
Adriatic Sea, Albanian and Italian coastlines, the Alps (Dolomites and Swiss/Austrian ranges), and the plains of eastern France before crossing the English Channel