The left side offers the only real geographic drama on this flight — the Atlantic coastline and Arcachon dunes at departure — while the rest of the route is flat French farmland with little variation. The right side's payoff, a distant London skyline glimpse on approach, is a nice bonus but less consistently visible.
Flight Path
Bordeaux vineyards and the Garonne river, Poitou farmland, Loire Valley near Tours and Poitiers, English Channel crossing near the Normandy coast
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BIQ
LEFTDeparting Biarritz on runway 27, the aircraft climbs out over the Atlantic then banks right onto a northbound track, putting the Bay of Biscay coastline and the Arcachon basin on the left side of the cabin. Passengers get a brief but genuine coastal view before the route turns inland toward central France.
Landing at LGW
RIGHTOn approach to Gatwick's runway 26, the aircraft descends from the east over Surrey, with the North Downs and outer London suburbs visible to the right. In clear conditions, distant London landmarks like the Shard and Canary Wharf towers can be glimpsed on the horizon before the final turn onto the runway.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Anglet (BIQ) to Gatwick (LGW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Biarritz to London. The left side offers the only real geographic drama on this flight — the Atlantic coastline and Arcachon dunes at departure — while the rest of the route is flat French farmland with little variation. The right side's payoff, a distant London skyline glimpse on approach, is a nice bonus but less consistently visible.
What can I see during takeoff from Anglet in Biarritz?
During takeoff from Anglet (BIQ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Biarritz on runway 27, the aircraft climbs out over the Atlantic then banks right onto a northbound track, putting the Bay of Biscay coastline and the Arcachon basin on the left side of the cabin. Passengers get a brief but genuine coastal view before the route turns inland toward central France. Notable sights include: Biarritz's Grande Plage and Pointe Saint-Martin, Bay of Biscay, Arcachon Bay, Dune du Pilat.
What can I see when landing at Gatwick in London?
When landing at Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to Gatwick's runway 26, the aircraft descends from the east over Surrey, with the North Downs and outer London suburbs visible to the right. In clear conditions, distant London landmarks like the Shard and Canary Wharf towers can be glimpsed on the horizon before the final turn onto the runway. Notable sights include: North Downs ridge, Croydon and outer London suburbs, distant Shard and Canary Wharf skyline, Surrey countryside.
How long is the flight from Biarritz to London?
The flight from Anglet (BIQ) to Gatwick (LGW) takes 1h50m.
What does the Biarritz to London flight path pass over?
Bordeaux vineyards and the Garonne river, Poitou farmland, Loire Valley near Tours and Poitiers, English Channel crossing near the Normandy coast