Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery on both legs: the Garonne's meanders during departure and the Thames's loops during approach. The right side also offers better views of the Landes forest and the transition from French countryside to English suburbs.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the English Channel at roughly the midpoint. Notable features include the Normandy coast (chalk cliffs near Dover visible on approach to UK airspace), the Channel itself (typically 50 miles wide at crossing), and the transition from French agricultural plains to English countryside. The New Forest and Southampton Water may be visible on the right side during the descent phase into southern England.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BOD
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Garonne River valley and the Landes forest as the aircraft climbs northeastward. The river's distinctive meanders are visible immediately after departure, and the flat pine forest landscape extends across the right wing.
Landing at LHR
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent approach to Heathrow. The Thames River becomes visible as a distinctive silver ribbon, and the Greater London urban sprawl—including recognizable districts and the river's characteristic loops—dominates the left side of the approach corridor.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Merignac (BOD) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Bordeaux to London. Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery on both legs: the Garonne's meanders during departure and the Thames's loops during approach. The right side also offers better views of the Landes forest and the transition from French countryside to English suburbs.
What can I see during takeoff from Merignac in Bordeaux?
During takeoff from Merignac (BOD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Garonne River valley and the Landes forest as the aircraft climbs northeastward. The river's distinctive meanders are visible immediately after departure, and the flat pine forest landscape extends across the right wing. Notable sights include: Garonne River (winding through Bordeaux region), Landes pine forest (flat expanse south and east), Atlantic coastal plains, Bordeaux city sprawl.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent approach to Heathrow. The Thames River becomes visible as a distinctive silver ribbon, and the Greater London urban sprawl—including recognizable districts and the river's characteristic loops—dominates the left side of the approach corridor. Notable sights include: Thames River (with multiple meanders), Greater London urban area, Windsor and surrounding towns, Chiltern Hills (distant, on horizon).
How long is the flight from Bordeaux to London?
The flight from Merignac (BOD) to Heathrow (LHR) takes Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
What does the Bordeaux to London flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the English Channel at roughly the midpoint. Notable features include the Normandy coast (chalk cliffs near Dover visible on approach to UK airspace), the Channel itself (typically 50 miles wide at crossing), and the transition from French agricultural plains to English countryside. The New Forest and Southampton Water may be visible on the right side during the descent phase into southern England.