For most of the cruise phase the flight path runs south of the Alps and tracks down the Italian peninsula, meaning the Ligurian coast, the Rome/Naples/Vesuvius area, Sicily, and the Ionian Sea approaches to Greece all sit on the right side. That's a far denser and more varied stretch of scenery than the left side's occasional Alpine glimpses, even though the left side redeems itself briefly on the Crete approach.
Flown BRS to HER? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Bristol to Heraklion is 1,768 miles (2,846 km), a flight of about 3 hours 55 minutes.
The route's midpoint falls near the Ligurian Sea and the Tuscan coast of Italy, with Corsica and Elba visible off to the south as the aircraft transitions from crossing France to tracking down the Italian peninsula.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BRS
RIGHTBristol's runway 27 departure typically banks left onto a southeasterly routing, putting the Severn Estuary and Welsh coastline on the right side of the aircraft as it climbs out. The Second Severn Crossing and the widening Bristol Channel give an immediate, distinctive geographic anchor before the cabin settles into cruise.
Landing at HER
LEFTOn the standard runway 27 approach into Heraklion, the aircraft tracks westward along Crete's north coast, so the left side faces inland toward the island's interior. Passengers get a close view of the city and harbor of Heraklion backed by the rugged limestone slopes of Mount Psiloritis before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Bristol (BRS) to Nikos Kazantzakis (HER)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Bristol to Heraklion. For most of the cruise phase the flight path runs south of the Alps and tracks down the Italian peninsula, meaning the Ligurian coast, the Rome/Naples/Vesuvius area, Sicily, and the Ionian Sea approaches to Greece all sit on the right side. That's a far denser and more varied stretch of scenery than the left side's occasional Alpine glimpses, even though the left side redeems itself briefly on the Crete approach.
What can I see during takeoff from Bristol in Bristol?
During takeoff from Bristol (BRS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Bristol's runway 27 departure typically banks left onto a southeasterly routing, putting the Severn Estuary and Welsh coastline on the right side of the aircraft as it climbs out. The Second Severn Crossing and the widening Bristol Channel give an immediate, distinctive geographic anchor before the cabin settles into cruise. Notable sights include: Severn Estuary, Second Severn Crossing bridges, Welsh coastline near Newport/Cardiff, Bristol Channel.
What can I see when landing at Nikos Kazantzakis in Heraklion?
When landing at Nikos Kazantzakis (HER), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the standard runway 27 approach into Heraklion, the aircraft tracks westward along Crete's north coast, so the left side faces inland toward the island's interior. Passengers get a close view of the city and harbor of Heraklion backed by the rugged limestone slopes of Mount Psiloritis before touchdown. Notable sights include: Heraklion city and harbor, Psiloritis (Mount Ida), Cretan coastal vineyards and olive terraces, Cretan Sea coastline.
How long is the flight from Bristol to Heraklion?
The flight from Bristol (BRS) to Nikos Kazantzakis (HER) takes about 3 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,768 miles (2,846 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Bristol to Heraklion flight path pass over?
The route's midpoint falls near the Ligurian Sea and the Tuscan coast of Italy, with Corsica and Elba visible off to the south as the aircraft transitions from crossing France to tracking down the Italian peninsula.