About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Charlotte to London. Left side wins both the departure over Charlotte and the arrival into London. Over the Atlantic the views are largely ocean regardless of side, but the left seat also offers slightly better angles on the southern coast of Ireland and Wales during the descent into Heathrow.
What can I see during takeoff from Charlotte Douglas International in Charlotte?
During takeoff from Charlotte Douglas International (CLT), sit on the Left side for the best views. Charlotte Douglas typically departs runway 18C/23 heading south or southwest before turning northeast. A left-side seat gives you a clear view of uptown Charlotte's skyline as the aircraft banks northeast, and then the Piedmont foothills rolling toward the Blue Ridge. Right side faces suburban sprawl with little of interest. Notable sights include: Uptown Charlotte skyline, Lake Norman to the northwest, Catawba River corridor, Blue Ridge foothills on the western horizon.
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 westerly arrivals (runways 27L/27R) approach from the east over central London, putting the left side of the aircraft directly over the Thames, the City of London, and the West End before crossing the M25 on final. The right side sees the southern suburbs and Surrey with far less to identify. Notable sights include: Thames River bends through central London, Wembley Stadium arch, Windsor Castle and Windsor Great Park, Slough and western suburbs.
How long is the flight from Charlotte to London?
The flight from Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) to Heathrow (LHR) takes Approximately 8 hours 30 minutes to 9 hours.
What does the Charlotte to London flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast over the Appalachians briefly, then crosses the US Mid-Atlantic coast near Virginia or Delaware, heads out over the North Atlantic following a great-circle route that passes south of Newfoundland and the Grand Banks, crosses the mid-Atlantic, approaches the southern tip of Ireland (County Cork coastline visible), crosses the Celtic Sea, then tracks over South Wales or the Bristol Channel before descending into the Thames Valley and Heathrow.