Right-side seats win overall because the departure views of the Algarve coastline and cliffs are more visually distinctive and dramatic than the landing approach. While the Thames Estuary landing is interesting, the takeoff scenery is more memorable.
Flown FAO to STN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Faro to London is 1,103 miles (1,774 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Bay of Biscay heading north-northwest, then passes over Brittany and Normandy in northern France. You'll see the Breton coastline with its rocky inlets, then the Seine River valley and Normandy's agricultural landscape. The English Channel crossing offers views of the Cotentin Peninsula and the Dorset coast before reaching southern England. The Midlands and East Anglia agricultural regions appear before descent into Essex.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from FAO
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Algarve coastline and Lagos Bay as you climb out. The aircraft departs eastbound initially before turning north, so the right wing offers immediate views of Portugal's southern coast with its distinctive golden cliffs and beach formations.
Landing at STN
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of the Thames Estuary, London's urban sprawl, and the Essex countryside during descent into Stansted. The approach from the southwest means the left wing faces toward central England and the distinctive river valley.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Faro (FAO) to Stansted (STN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Faro to London. Right-side seats win overall because the departure views of the Algarve coastline and cliffs are more visually distinctive and dramatic than the landing approach. While the Thames Estuary landing is interesting, the takeoff scenery is more memorable.
What can I see during takeoff from Faro in Faro?
During takeoff from Faro (FAO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Algarve coastline and Lagos Bay as you climb out. The aircraft departs eastbound initially before turning north, so the right wing offers immediate views of Portugal's southern coast with its distinctive golden cliffs and beach formations. Notable sights include: Lagos Bay and Ponta da Piedade (distinctive rock formations), Algarve coastline with ochre cliffs, Ria Formosa lagoon system to the east, Atlantic Ocean.
What can I see when landing at Stansted in London?
When landing at Stansted (STN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Thames Estuary, London's urban sprawl, and the Essex countryside during descent into Stansted. The approach from the southwest means the left wing faces toward central England and the distinctive river valley. Notable sights include: Thames Estuary and river bends, Greater London urban area (visible as continuous built-up zone), Essex countryside and agricultural fields, North Sea coast to the northeast.
How long is the flight from Faro to London?
The flight from Faro (FAO) to Stansted (STN) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,103 miles (1,774 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Faro to London flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Bay of Biscay heading north-northwest, then passes over Brittany and Normandy in northern France. You'll see the Breton coastline with its rocky inlets, then the Seine River valley and Normandy's agricultural landscape. The English Channel crossing offers views of the Cotentin Peninsula and the Dorset coast before reaching southern England. The Midlands and East Anglia agricultural regions appear before descent into Essex.