The right side wins both takeoff and landing with estuary, coastline, and river-mouth views, while the left side offers only flat inland terrain throughout the flight.
Flown BHX to OPO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Birmingham to Porto is 840 miles (1,351 km), a flight of about 2 hours 35 minutes.
Bay of Biscay open ocean, with a possible distant glimpse of the Brittany or northern Spanish coastline depending on routing
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BHX
RIGHTDeparting BHX on runway 15, the climb-out curves southwest over the Welsh borderland and the Severn Estuary, giving right-side passengers a glimpse of the Malvern Hills and the wide tidal flats of the Severn before the coast fades from view. Left-side passengers just see the flat patchwork of the Midlands and Cotswolds farmland.
Landing at OPO
RIGHTOn approach to OPO's runway 17, the aircraft descends from the north along the Portuguese coastline, and right-side passengers see the Atlantic surf line, sandy beaches, and the mouth of the Douro River before the final turn into Porto. Left-side views are inland, showing only rolling farmland with no coastal or river features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Birmingham (BHX) to Porto (OPO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Birmingham to Porto. The right side wins both takeoff and landing with estuary, coastline, and river-mouth views, while the left side offers only flat inland terrain throughout the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Birmingham in Birmingham?
During takeoff from Birmingham (BHX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing BHX on runway 15, the climb-out curves southwest over the Welsh borderland and the Severn Estuary, giving right-side passengers a glimpse of the Malvern Hills and the wide tidal flats of the Severn before the coast fades from view. Left-side passengers just see the flat patchwork of the Midlands and Cotswolds farmland. Notable sights include: Severn Estuary, Malvern Hills, Cotswold countryside.
What can I see when landing at Porto in Porto?
When landing at Porto (OPO), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to OPO's runway 17, the aircraft descends from the north along the Portuguese coastline, and right-side passengers see the Atlantic surf line, sandy beaches, and the mouth of the Douro River before the final turn into Porto. Left-side views are inland, showing only rolling farmland with no coastal or river features. Notable sights include: Atlantic coastline, Douro River estuary, Porto's riverside rooftops.
How long is the flight from Birmingham to Porto?
The flight from Birmingham (BHX) to Porto (OPO) takes about 2 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 840 miles (1,351 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Birmingham to Porto flight path pass over?
Bay of Biscay open ocean, with a possible distant glimpse of the Brittany or northern Spanish coastline depending on routing