The left side wins overall because the Cape Town departure delivers a rare, world-class mountain-and-ocean spectacle, while the cruise phase over Namibia, Angola and the Sahara offers little differentiation between sides, and the London arrival, while pleasant, is a modest urban view by comparison.
Flown CPT to LCY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Cape Town to London is 6,012 miles (9,676 km), a flight of about 11 hours 20 minutes.
Namib Desert dunes, Angola's coastal plains, the Congo Basin, and the vast sand seas of the Sahara Desert lie beneath the flight path during cruise, though from cruising altitude these appear as broad, hazy expanses rather than distinct landmarks.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CPT
LEFTDeparting CPT on runway 01 north, the aircraft climbs with Table Mountain, Lion's Head and the city bowl receding on the left side, along with glimpses of Table Bay and the Atlantic coastline. This is one of the most dramatic takeoff views in commercial aviation.
Landing at LCY
RIGHTOn approach to LCY from the east on runway 27, the flight path follows the Thames, and the right side offers views of Canary Wharf's skyscraper cluster and the Docklands waterways just before touchdown. It's a compact but distinctly urban finale to the flight.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Cape Town International (CPT) to City (LCY)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Cape Town to London. The left side wins overall because the Cape Town departure delivers a rare, world-class mountain-and-ocean spectacle, while the cruise phase over Namibia, Angola and the Sahara offers little differentiation between sides, and the London arrival, while pleasant, is a modest urban view by comparison.
What can I see during takeoff from Cape Town International in Cape Town?
During takeoff from Cape Town International (CPT), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing CPT on runway 01 north, the aircraft climbs with Table Mountain, Lion's Head and the city bowl receding on the left side, along with glimpses of Table Bay and the Atlantic coastline. This is one of the most dramatic takeoff views in commercial aviation. Notable sights include: Table Mountain, Lion's Head, Table Bay, Cape Town city bowl.
What can I see when landing at City in London?
When landing at City (LCY), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to LCY from the east on runway 27, the flight path follows the Thames, and the right side offers views of Canary Wharf's skyscraper cluster and the Docklands waterways just before touchdown. It's a compact but distinctly urban finale to the flight. Notable sights include: Canary Wharf towers, Thames River bends, Docklands waterways, London City Airport's dockside runway.
How long is the flight from Cape Town to London?
The flight from Cape Town International (CPT) to City (LCY) takes about 11 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,012 miles (9,676 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Cape Town to London flight path pass over?
Namib Desert dunes, Angola's coastal plains, the Congo Basin, and the vast sand seas of the Sahara Desert lie beneath the flight path during cruise, though from cruising altitude these appear as broad, hazy expanses rather than distinct landmarks.