While the takeoff from Florence favors the right side, the landing approach into Gatwick from the left provides more dramatic and extended views of southern England's geography. The left side captures the North Downs, Thames valley, and London's urban expanse during a longer, more visually rewarding descent.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the Alps (visible to the north as you depart Italy), then the Jura Mountains on the France-Switzerland border, before crossing the English Channel. Over France, you'll pass near the Massif Central (to the south) and approach the Channel coast near the Normandy cliffs. The Channel crossing itself offers views of the Strait of Dover and the white cliffs of Dover on the UK side.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from FLR
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Arno River valley and the Tuscan hills as you climb northwestward from Peretola. You'll see Florence's urban sprawl fade into rolling countryside with clear views of the Apennine foothills.
Landing at LGW
LEFTLeft-side seats offer the best views during descent into Gatwick. You'll see the North Downs, the Thames valley, and Greater London's sprawl before final approach. The southern approach to Gatwick crosses distinctive Surrey and Sussex countryside.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Peretola (FLR) to Gatwick (LGW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Firenze to London. While the takeoff from Florence favors the right side, the landing approach into Gatwick from the left provides more dramatic and extended views of southern England's geography. The left side captures the North Downs, Thames valley, and London's urban expanse during a longer, more visually rewarding descent.
What can I see during takeoff from Peretola in Firenze?
During takeoff from Peretola (FLR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Arno River valley and the Tuscan hills as you climb northwestward from Peretola. You'll see Florence's urban sprawl fade into rolling countryside with clear views of the Apennine foothills. Notable sights include: Arno River (winding through Florence valley), Apennine Mountains (northeast horizon), Florence city center (Duomo visible in urban grid), Tuscan hills (rolling terrain to the south and east).
What can I see when landing at Gatwick in London?
When landing at Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best views during descent into Gatwick. You'll see the North Downs, the Thames valley, and Greater London's sprawl before final approach. The southern approach to Gatwick crosses distinctive Surrey and Sussex countryside. Notable sights include: North Downs (chalk ridge south of London), Thames River valley (broad floodplain), Greater London urban area (extensive built-up zone), Surrey/Sussex countryside (patchwork fields and woodlands).
How long is the flight from Firenze to London?
The flight from Peretola (FLR) to Gatwick (LGW) takes Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Firenze to London flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Alps (visible to the north as you depart Italy), then the Jura Mountains on the France-Switzerland border, before crossing the English Channel. Over France, you'll pass near the Massif Central (to the south) and approach the Channel coast near the Normandy cliffs. The Channel crossing itself offers views of the Strait of Dover and the white cliffs of Dover on the UK side.