Right-side seats win overall because the departure from Cartagena offers more dramatic and colorful scenery (Caribbean waters, river delta, islands) than the landing approach. While the Thames approach is pleasant, the takeoff views are more visually distinctive and memorable.
Flown CTG to LHR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Cartagena to London is 5,013 miles (8,068 km), a flight of about 9 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean heading northeast. Notable features along the route include: the Bahamas archipelago (visible if flying over the northern Caribbean), the eastern seaboard of the United States (if the flight path passes over Florida or the Carolinas at altitude), the Atlantic coastline of the northeastern US, and eventually the Irish coast and Irish Sea before reaching the UK. Most of the mid-Atlantic crossing offers open ocean with occasional cloud formations. The approach to Europe brings views of Ireland's coastline, the Irish Sea, Wales, and the English Midlands before reaching London.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CTG
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Caribbean coastline and the Magdalena River delta as the aircraft climbs northwestward from Cartagena. The contrast between turquoise shallow waters and the darker Caribbean Sea is striking during initial climb.
Landing at LHR
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Heathrow. The approach from the southwest brings views of the Thames Valley, the River Thames itself winding through the landscape, and the Greater London urban sprawl before final approach over the airport.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Rafael Nunez (CTG) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Cartagena to London. Right-side seats win overall because the departure from Cartagena offers more dramatic and colorful scenery (Caribbean waters, river delta, islands) than the landing approach. While the Thames approach is pleasant, the takeoff views are more visually distinctive and memorable.
What can I see during takeoff from Rafael Nunez in Cartagena?
During takeoff from Rafael Nunez (CTG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Caribbean coastline and the Magdalena River delta as the aircraft climbs northwestward from Cartagena. The contrast between turquoise shallow waters and the darker Caribbean Sea is striking during initial climb. Notable sights include: Caribbean coastline with barrier islands, Magdalena River delta (brown sediment plume), Cartagena Bay, Rosario Islands archipelago.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Heathrow. The approach from the southwest brings views of the Thames Valley, the River Thames itself winding through the landscape, and the Greater London urban sprawl before final approach over the airport. Notable sights include: River Thames with characteristic meanders, Greater London urban area, Windsor Castle area (if visible on approach), Heathrow Airport runways and taxiways.
How long is the flight from Cartagena to London?
The flight from Rafael Nunez (CTG) to Heathrow (LHR) takes about 9 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,013 miles (8,068 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Cartagena to London flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean heading northeast. Notable features along the route include: the Bahamas archipelago (visible if flying over the northern Caribbean), the eastern seaboard of the United States (if the flight path passes over Florida or the Carolinas at altitude), the Atlantic coastline of the northeastern US, and eventually the Irish coast and Irish Sea before reaching the UK. Most of the mid-Atlantic crossing offers open ocean with occasional cloud formations. The approach to Europe brings views of Ireland's coastline, the Irish Sea, Wales, and the English Midlands before reaching London.