The left side wins on both ends of the flight: a more visually interesting departure over Guangzhou's terrain and skyline, and a scenic Thames-following approach into London with Canary Wharf and Greenwich landmarks, versus a plainer right-side view on both legs.
Flown CAN to LCY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Guangzhou to London is 5,880 miles (9,464 km), a flight of about 12 hours 30 minutes.
The great-circle route crosses the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, the Tian Shan mountain foothills in Xinjiang, the Kazakh steppe, the southern Ural Mountains, and the plains of Eastern Europe before descending toward the North Sea and London.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CAN
LEFTDeparting CAN on a north-oriented runway, the initial climb and left turn toward the northwest give left-side passengers a view back over the Pearl River Delta's dense urban sprawl and the hilly terrain north of Guangzhou, including Baiyun Mountain. The right side mostly shows flatter agricultural land east of the city.
Landing at LCY
LEFTArriving at LCY from the east over the Thames Estuary, the approach follows the river's bends before the final turn onto runway 27, giving left-side passengers clear views of Canary Wharf's towers, the O2 Arena at Greenwich, and the Thames snaking through east London. The right side faces mostly residential Essex and south London suburbs with fewer distinct landmarks.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) to City (LCY)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Guangzhou to London. The left side wins on both ends of the flight: a more visually interesting departure over Guangzhou's terrain and skyline, and a scenic Thames-following approach into London with Canary Wharf and Greenwich landmarks, versus a plainer right-side view on both legs.
What can I see during takeoff from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in Guangzhou?
During takeoff from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing CAN on a north-oriented runway, the initial climb and left turn toward the northwest give left-side passengers a view back over the Pearl River Delta's dense urban sprawl and the hilly terrain north of Guangzhou, including Baiyun Mountain. The right side mostly shows flatter agricultural land east of the city. Notable sights include: Pearl River, Baiyun Mountain, Guangzhou city skyline, Pearl River Delta waterways.
What can I see when landing at City in London?
When landing at City (LCY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Arriving at LCY from the east over the Thames Estuary, the approach follows the river's bends before the final turn onto runway 27, giving left-side passengers clear views of Canary Wharf's towers, the O2 Arena at Greenwich, and the Thames snaking through east London. The right side faces mostly residential Essex and south London suburbs with fewer distinct landmarks. Notable sights include: Thames Estuary, Canary Wharf skyline, O2 Arena (Greenwich Peninsula), Thames River bends.
How long is the flight from Guangzhou to London?
The flight from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) to City (LCY) takes about 12 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,880 miles (9,464 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Guangzhou to London flight path pass over?
The great-circle route crosses the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, the Tian Shan mountain foothills in Xinjiang, the Kazakh steppe, the southern Ural Mountains, and the plains of Eastern Europe before descending toward the North Sea and London.