The right side offers a stronger combined experience: the Antrim coastline on departure and the Windsor Castle/Thames Valley view on arrival outweigh the largely featureless Irish Sea and rural England seen from the left.
Flown BFS to LHR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Belfast to London is 325 miles (523 km), a flight of about 1 hour 25 minutes.
Irish Sea crossing, Isle of Man visible in clear conditions, North Wales coast, English Midlands farmland
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BFS
RIGHTDeparting BFS on runway 25, the aircraft climbs southwest then banks toward England, putting the Antrim coastline and Belfast Lough's northern shore on the right side. Passengers get a brief but clear view of the Irish Sea opening up ahead, with the Antrim hills receding behind.
Landing at LHR
RIGHTOn the westerly approach into LHR, aircraft typically track in from the northeast over the Chiltern Hills and Thames Valley before turning onto final approach. This puts Windsor Castle and the Thames' looping bends on the right side of the aircraft just before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Aldergrove (BFS) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Belfast to London. The right side offers a stronger combined experience: the Antrim coastline on departure and the Windsor Castle/Thames Valley view on arrival outweigh the largely featureless Irish Sea and rural England seen from the left.
What can I see during takeoff from Aldergrove in Belfast?
During takeoff from Aldergrove (BFS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing BFS on runway 25, the aircraft climbs southwest then banks toward England, putting the Antrim coastline and Belfast Lough's northern shore on the right side. Passengers get a brief but clear view of the Irish Sea opening up ahead, with the Antrim hills receding behind. Notable sights include: Belfast Lough, Antrim coastline, Irish Sea, Isle of Man (distant, right side).
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 the westerly approach into LHR, aircraft typically track in from the northeast over the Chiltern Hills and Thames Valley before turning onto final approach. This puts Windsor Castle and the Thames' looping bends on the right side of the aircraft just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Windsor Castle, River Thames, Thames Valley farmland, Heathrow perimeter.
How long is the flight from Belfast to London?
The flight from Aldergrove (BFS) to Heathrow (LHR) takes about 1 hour 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 325 miles (523 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Belfast to London flight path pass over?
Irish Sea crossing, Isle of Man visible in clear conditions, North Wales coast, English Midlands farmland