Right-side seats provide the most consistent scenic value: dramatic Apennine Mountain views during departure and the Alps visible during the midpoint of the flight. Left-side landing views are excellent but concentrated only in the final descent phase.
Flown BLQ to LGW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Bologna to London is 700 miles (1,126 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Alps (typically visible 45-60 minutes into flight, with Mont Blanc and surrounding peaks on the right side during northwestward cruise), then transitions over the Jura Mountains and French-Swiss border regions. The English Channel becomes visible approximately 30 minutes before landing. The right side offers superior views of Alpine peaks during cruise altitude; the left side captures the Channel crossing and approach to southern England.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BLQ
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Apennine Mountains as the aircraft climbs northwestward from Bologna. The range runs parallel to the initial flight path and provides dramatic relief against the Po Valley floor.
Landing at LGW
LEFTLeft-side seats offer views of the Thames estuary, London's urban sprawl, and the Surrey/Sussex countryside during descent into Gatwick. The approach from the southeast makes the left side ideal for seeing the Greater London area and the distinctive river geometry.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Bologna (BLQ) to Gatwick (LGW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Bologna to London. Right-side seats provide the most consistent scenic value: dramatic Apennine Mountain views during departure and the Alps visible during the midpoint of the flight. Left-side landing views are excellent but concentrated only in the final descent phase.
What can I see during takeoff from Bologna in Bologna?
During takeoff from Bologna (BLQ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Apennine Mountains as the aircraft climbs northwestward from Bologna. The range runs parallel to the initial flight path and provides dramatic relief against the Po Valley floor. Notable sights include: Apennine Mountains (south and southeast), Po River Valley (north), Emilia-Romagna plains (west), Bologna city grid (directly below during initial climb).
What can I see when landing at Gatwick in London?
When landing at Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer views of the Thames estuary, London's urban sprawl, and the Surrey/Sussex countryside during descent into Gatwick. The approach from the southeast makes the left side ideal for seeing the Greater London area and the distinctive river geometry. Notable sights include: Thames estuary and river bends (north), London urban area and Greater London sprawl (north-northwest), Surrey/Sussex downland (south and southwest), Gatwick airport area (south-southeast).
How long is the flight from Bologna to London?
The flight from Bologna (BLQ) to Gatwick (LGW) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 700 miles (1,126 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Bologna to London flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Alps (typically visible 45-60 minutes into flight, with Mont Blanc and surrounding peaks on the right side during northwestward cruise), then transitions over the Jura Mountains and French-Swiss border regions. The English Channel becomes visible approximately 30 minutes before landing. The right side offers superior views of Alpine peaks during cruise altitude; the left side captures the Channel crossing and approach to southern England.