While takeoff from CDG favors the right side, the landing approach into Stansted from the left provides more distinctive scenery—the Thames Estuary and Essex countryside offer greater visual interest than the departure views. Left-side passengers get the better overall experience.
Flown CDG to STN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Paris to London is 223 miles (359 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight crosses the English Channel at roughly 25,000 feet. Mid-flight, passengers on either side may glimpse the Kent coast and the white cliffs of Dover area (right side), or the French coast near Dieppe and the Normandy coastline (left side), depending on exact routing. The Channel itself—roughly 50 miles wide at this point—appears as a distinct water body separating the two landmasses, with shipping traffic visible as small dots on the water.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CDG
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Seine River winding through Paris and the city's urban sprawl extending eastward. The northeasterly departure path from CDG means right-side passengers see the capital's landmarks receding below.
Landing at STN
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of the Essex countryside, the Thames estuary, and the approach into Stansted from the southwest. The descent path reveals the flat agricultural landscape and water features characteristic of East Anglia.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Stansted (STN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Paris to London. While takeoff from CDG favors the right side, the landing approach into Stansted from the left provides more distinctive scenery—the Thames Estuary and Essex countryside offer greater visual interest than the departure views. Left-side passengers get the better overall experience.
What can I see during takeoff from Charles De Gaulle in Paris?
During takeoff from Charles De Gaulle (CDG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Seine River winding through Paris and the city's urban sprawl extending eastward. The northeasterly departure path from CDG means right-side passengers see the capital's landmarks receding below. Notable sights include: Seine River, Paris city center, Île-de-France suburban ring, northeastern approach corridors.
What can I see when landing at Stansted in London?
When landing at Stansted (STN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Essex countryside, the Thames estuary, and the approach into Stansted from the southwest. The descent path reveals the flat agricultural landscape and water features characteristic of East Anglia. Notable sights include: Thames Estuary, Essex farmland and fields, Colchester area, North Sea coast in distance.
How long is the flight from Paris to London?
The flight from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Stansted (STN) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 223 miles (359 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Paris to London flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the English Channel at roughly 25,000 feet. Mid-flight, passengers on either side may glimpse the Kent coast and the white cliffs of Dover area (right side), or the French coast near Dieppe and the Normandy coastline (left side), depending on exact routing. The Channel itself—roughly 50 miles wide at this point—appears as a distinct water body separating the two landmasses, with shipping traffic visible as small dots on the water.