While the takeoff offers excellent coastal views, the landing approach over the Thames estuary and London provides more dramatic and recognizable scenery. Right side captures the final descent's most visually distinctive features.
Flight Path
This ultra-long-haul flight crosses the Indian Ocean, Middle East, and Europe. Notable features along the route include: the Indian subcontinent (if visible during daylight), the Arabian Peninsula and Persian Gulf region, the Tigris-Euphrates valley, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Alps. Most of this journey occurs over ocean or at night, limiting scenic window views for the majority of the flight. The most scenic segments are the takeoff and landing phases.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BNE
LEFTLeft side offers views of Moreton Bay's islands and the Brisbane River delta as the aircraft climbs northeastward. Right side faces inland toward the western suburbs with less distinctive scenery.
Landing at LHR
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Thames estuary, London's urban sprawl, and the approach corridor over southern England. Left side faces toward the North Sea and offers less distinctive landmarks during final descent.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Brisbane International (BNE) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Brisbane to London. While the takeoff offers excellent coastal views, the landing approach over the Thames estuary and London provides more dramatic and recognizable scenery. Right side captures the final descent's most visually distinctive features.
What can I see during takeoff from Brisbane International in Brisbane?
During takeoff from Brisbane International (BNE), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of Moreton Bay's islands and the Brisbane River delta as the aircraft climbs northeastward. Right side faces inland toward the western suburbs with less distinctive scenery. Notable sights include: Moreton Bay, North Stradbroke Island, Brisbane River estuary, Bribie Island.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the Thames estuary, London's urban sprawl, and the approach corridor over southern England. Left side faces toward the North Sea and offers less distinctive landmarks during final descent. Notable sights include: Thames estuary, Greater London urban area, Windsor Castle region, Chiltern Hills.
How long is the flight from Brisbane to London?
The flight from Brisbane International (BNE) to Heathrow (LHR) takes Approximately 17-18 hours.
What does the Brisbane to London flight path pass over?
This ultra-long-haul flight crosses the Indian Ocean, Middle East, and Europe. Notable features along the route include: the Indian subcontinent (if visible during daylight), the Arabian Peninsula and Persian Gulf region, the Tigris-Euphrates valley, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Alps. Most of this journey occurs over ocean or at night, limiting scenic window views for the majority of the flight. The most scenic segments are the takeoff and landing phases.