About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Bologna (BLQ) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Bologna to London. Left side wins both ends of the flight. At takeoff you get the Apennines, and on approach into Heathrow you get the best view of central London and the Thames. The right side offers the flat Po Valley at departure and suburban west London on arrival — neither competes.
What can I see during takeoff from Bologna in Bologna?
During takeoff from Bologna (BLQ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Bologna's primary departure runway 12/30 means westbound departures often head northwest, putting the Apennine Mountains on the left side. The Po Valley spreads out to the right but is flat and featureless compared to the dramatic ridge lines of the Apennines visible on the left as you climb out. Notable sights include: Apennine Mountains ridge line, Po Valley agricultural patchwork, Bologna city grid and its medieval towers visible briefly below, Reno river valley cutting through the hills.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Heathrow's dominant runway orientation is 09/27 (east-west). On westerly approaches, aircraft track in from the east over London, and the left side gives views over central London including the Thames, the City, and Canary Wharf as you descend. The right side sees suburban west London and Windsor, which is less dramatic. Notable sights include: River Thames snaking through central London, Canary Wharf tower cluster, The City of London and its dense urban core, Windsor Castle and Windsor Great Park visible to the southwest on final approach.
How long is the flight from Bologna to London?
The flight from Bologna (BLQ) to Heathrow (LHR) takes Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes.
What does the Bologna to London flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northwest over the Po Valley, crosses the Alps near Mont Blanc or the Swiss border depending on routing, then crosses France over Burgundy and the Paris Basin, crosses the English Channel near Calais or Boulogne, and enters southern England over Kent before turning toward Heathrow. The Alpine crossing is the most dramatic midpoint feature, with the Mont Blanc massif and Swiss Alps visible from either side depending on exact routing.