While the takeoff from Chania offers spectacular mountain scenery on the right, the landing approach into Birmingham provides more sustained visual interest with the Malvern Hills and the distinctive urban geography of the Midlands. Left-side seats capture the most dramatic final descent.
Flown CHQ to BHX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chania to Birmingham is 1,722 miles (2,771 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Mediterranean northwestward over open sea for roughly 2 hours, passing south of Sicily and Sardinia (visible as distant landmasses if conditions permit). The aircraft then crosses southern France, with the Pyrenees visible on the left (south) side during the crossing. The English Channel appears as a narrow strip of water before the final descent into the Midlands. The Alps remain too far south to be visible on this routing.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CHQ
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the dramatic White Mountains (Lefka Ori) immediately after departure, rising steeply from Chania's coastal plain. The aircraft climbs northwestward over the Cretan Sea, so right-side passengers get the best view of the mountains' snow-capped peaks and deep gorges as they recede beneath the aircraft.
Landing at BHX
LEFTLeft-side seats offer the best views during the final approach into Birmingham. The aircraft descends from the southeast over the Midlands, and left-side passengers see the Malvern Hills clearly, followed by the urban sprawl of Birmingham's industrial districts and the distinctive pattern of the city's canal network as you descend into BHX.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Souda (CHQ) to Birmingham (BHX)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chania to Birmingham. While the takeoff from Chania offers spectacular mountain scenery on the right, the landing approach into Birmingham provides more sustained visual interest with the Malvern Hills and the distinctive urban geography of the Midlands. Left-side seats capture the most dramatic final descent.
What can I see during takeoff from Souda in Chania?
During takeoff from Souda (CHQ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the dramatic White Mountains (Lefka Ori) immediately after departure, rising steeply from Chania's coastal plain. The aircraft climbs northwestward over the Cretan Sea, so right-side passengers get the best view of the mountains' snow-capped peaks and deep gorges as they recede beneath the aircraft. Notable sights include: White Mountains (Lefka Ori), Chania city and harbor, Cretan Sea coastline, Samaria Gorge region.
What can I see when landing at Birmingham in Birmingham?
When landing at Birmingham (BHX), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best views during the final approach into Birmingham. The aircraft descends from the southeast over the Midlands, and left-side passengers see the Malvern Hills clearly, followed by the urban sprawl of Birmingham's industrial districts and the distinctive pattern of the city's canal network as you descend into BHX. Notable sights include: Malvern Hills, Worcestershire countryside, Birmingham city center and canal system, Lickey Hills.
How long is the flight from Chania to Birmingham?
The flight from Souda (CHQ) to Birmingham (BHX) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,722 miles (2,771 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chania to Birmingham flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Mediterranean northwestward over open sea for roughly 2 hours, passing south of Sicily and Sardinia (visible as distant landmasses if conditions permit). The aircraft then crosses southern France, with the Pyrenees visible on the left (south) side during the crossing. The English Channel appears as a narrow strip of water before the final descent into the Midlands. The Alps remain too far south to be visible on this routing.