While the left side offers good Johannesburg departure views, the right side delivers superior scenery on the longer leg—the Thames estuary and London approach are more visually dramatic and concentrated than the dispersed African landscape. The landing views significantly outweigh the takeoff advantage.
Flown GCJ to LCY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Johannesburg to London is 5,620 miles (9,044 km), a flight of about 11 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Sahara Desert (minimal visual interest at cruise altitude), the Mediterranean Sea (visible as a blue band on the horizon during the transition from Africa to Europe), and the Atlas Mountains in Morocco (visible as a distant ridge during the northwesterly turn toward Europe). The Bay of Biscay and English Channel appear in the final descent phase. Most of the mid-flight cruise occurs over open ocean and desert with limited landmark visibility.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from GCJ
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Witwatersrand ridge and Johannesburg's northern suburbs as the aircraft climbs northwestward. The city's grid pattern and surrounding highveld plateau are clearly visible during the initial climb.
Landing at LCY
RIGHTRight side provides excellent views of the Thames estuary, London's eastern approach, and the City of London district as the aircraft descends toward City Airport. The river's meandering path and the contrast between urban and suburban areas are striking.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Grand Central (GCJ) to City (LCY)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Johannesburg to London. While the left side offers good Johannesburg departure views, the right side delivers superior scenery on the longer leg—the Thames estuary and London approach are more visually dramatic and concentrated than the dispersed African landscape. The landing views significantly outweigh the takeoff advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from Grand Central in Johannesburg?
During takeoff from Grand Central (GCJ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Witwatersrand ridge and Johannesburg's northern suburbs as the aircraft climbs northwestward. The city's grid pattern and surrounding highveld plateau are clearly visible during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Johannesburg city center and northern suburbs, Witwatersrand ridge, Pretoria in the distance to the north, highveld plateau terrain.
What can I see when landing at City in London?
When landing at City (LCY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides excellent views of the Thames estuary, London's eastern approach, and the City of London district as the aircraft descends toward City Airport. The river's meandering path and the contrast between urban and suburban areas are striking. Notable sights include: Thames estuary and river bend, City of London financial district, Tower Bridge area, Greenwich Peninsula and Canary Wharf to the left across the river.
How long is the flight from Johannesburg to London?
The flight from Grand Central (GCJ) to City (LCY) takes about 11 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,620 miles (9,044 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Johannesburg to London flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Sahara Desert (minimal visual interest at cruise altitude), the Mediterranean Sea (visible as a blue band on the horizon during the transition from Africa to Europe), and the Atlas Mountains in Morocco (visible as a distant ridge during the northwesterly turn toward Europe). The Bay of Biscay and English Channel appear in the final descent phase. Most of the mid-flight cruise occurs over open ocean and desert with limited landmark visibility.