Left side wins at both ends of the flight. Over the Atlantic the views are largely ocean regardless of side, but the left side also offers better views of the Irish coastline on approach to the UK, with the green patchwork of County Cork and Waterford visible before crossing the Celtic Sea into Wales and England.
Flight Path
The flight tracks northeast from South Carolina, crossing the North Carolina and Virginia coasts, then out over the North Atlantic on a great circle route passing well south of Newfoundland. Mid-ocean the Gulf Stream is sometimes visible as a color contrast in the water at lower altitudes during climb. The route crosses the Celtic Sea, the southern Irish coast near Cork or Waterford, then Wales and the Severn Estuary before descending into Heathrow from the west.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from CHS
LEFTCharleston airport runways typically depart northeastward or southwestward. On a transatlantic routing heading northeast, the left (north) side gives you a clear view over the Charleston peninsula, the Cooper and Ashley Rivers meeting at the harbor, and the barrier islands of the South Carolina coast. The right side faces inland toward flat pine forests with little of interest.
Landing at LHR
LEFTHeathrow's primary landing runways (09L/09R) bring aircraft in from the west on an easterly heading. The left (north) side gives a clear view over Windsor Castle and Windsor Great Park, then the western suburbs of London including Slough and Ealing. The right side faces south toward Staines reservoirs and Surrey, which is less iconic.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Charleston Afb International (CHS) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Charleston to London. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. Over the Atlantic the views are largely ocean regardless of side, but the left side also offers better views of the Irish coastline on approach to the UK, with the green patchwork of County Cork and Waterford visible before crossing the Celtic Sea into Wales and England.
What can I see during takeoff from Charleston Afb International in Charleston?
During takeoff from Charleston Afb International (CHS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Charleston airport runways typically depart northeastward or southwestward. On a transatlantic routing heading northeast, the left (north) side gives you a clear view over the Charleston peninsula, the Cooper and Ashley Rivers meeting at the harbor, and the barrier islands of the South Carolina coast. The right side faces inland toward flat pine forests with little of interest. Notable sights include: Charleston Harbor and peninsula, Cooper River, Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge (cable-stayed), barrier islands of Isle of Palms and Sullivan's Island.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Heathrow's primary landing runways (09L/09R) bring aircraft in from the west on an easterly heading. The left (north) side gives a clear view over Windsor Castle and Windsor Great Park, then the western suburbs of London including Slough and Ealing. The right side faces south toward Staines reservoirs and Surrey, which is less iconic. Notable sights include: Windsor Castle and Windsor Great Park, Slough urban area, the large Staines and King George VI reservoirs, western London suburbs stretching toward central London on the horizon.
How long is the flight from Charleston to London?
The flight from Charleston Afb International (CHS) to Heathrow (LHR) takes Approximately 8 to 9 hours.
What does the Charleston to London flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast from South Carolina, crossing the North Carolina and Virginia coasts, then out over the North Atlantic on a great circle route passing well south of Newfoundland. Mid-ocean the Gulf Stream is sometimes visible as a color contrast in the water at lower altitudes during climb. The route crosses the Celtic Sea, the southern Irish coast near Cork or Waterford, then Wales and the Severn Estuary before descending into Heathrow from the west.