With roughly five hours of open Atlantic dominating the cruise phase, neither side offers much mid-flight scenery, so the flight is decided by the endpoints. The right side's approach into Gatwick with a glimpse of the London skyline edges out the left side's harbor departure from Boston.
Flown BOS to LGW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Boston to London is 3,274 miles (5,269 km), a flight of about 6 hours 15 minutes.
Open North Atlantic Ocean with no land visible; possible sighting of Irish coastline (County Kerry or Cork) on the descent toward the UK depending on routing.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BOS
LEFTNoise abatement sends BOS departures north over Boston Harbor before turning east; the left side offers a receding view of the Boston skyline, the harbor islands, and Logan's runways jutting into the water. The right side mostly shows open water and Winthrop/Revere shoreline with less definition.
Landing at LGW
RIGHTOn the westbound final approach into LGW's runway 26, aircraft typically fly in from the east over Kent and Surrey, and the right (north) side gives passengers a distant but recognizable view of the London skyline before the plane turns onto final approach over the Sussex/Surrey countryside. The left side shows only rolling farmland with fewer identifiable landmarks.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS) to Gatwick (LGW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Boston to London. With roughly five hours of open Atlantic dominating the cruise phase, neither side offers much mid-flight scenery, so the flight is decided by the endpoints. The right side's approach into Gatwick with a glimpse of the London skyline edges out the left side's harbor departure from Boston.
What can I see during takeoff from General Edward Lawrence Logan International in Boston?
During takeoff from General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Noise abatement sends BOS departures north over Boston Harbor before turning east; the left side offers a receding view of the Boston skyline, the harbor islands, and Logan's runways jutting into the water. The right side mostly shows open water and Winthrop/Revere shoreline with less definition. Notable sights include: Boston skyline (Financial District towers), Boston Harbor Islands, Logan Airport runways, Winthrop peninsula.
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 the westbound final approach into LGW's runway 26, aircraft typically fly in from the east over Kent and Surrey, and the right (north) side gives passengers a distant but recognizable view of the London skyline before the plane turns onto final approach over the Sussex/Surrey countryside. The left side shows only rolling farmland with fewer identifiable landmarks. Notable sights include: Distant London skyline (Shard, Canary Wharf towers), North Downs ridgeline, patchwork farmland of Surrey/Sussex, small reservoirs near Gatwick.
How long is the flight from Boston to London?
The flight from General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS) to Gatwick (LGW) takes about 6 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,274 miles (5,269 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Boston to London flight path pass over?
Open North Atlantic Ocean with no land visible; possible sighting of Irish coastline (County Kerry or Cork) on the descent toward the UK depending on routing.