GCJLHR

Which side of the plane from Johannesburg to London

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Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Grand Central (GCJ) to Heathrow (LHR)?

Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Johannesburg to London. The London approach on the left side is the standout experience of this route — a prolonged, low-altitude transit over one of the world's most recognizable cities. The takeoff views from Grand Central are interesting but relatively flat and industrial. The left seat wins overall for the London arrival alone.

What can I see during takeoff from Grand Central in Johannesburg?

During takeoff from Grand Central (GCJ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Grand Central Airport typically departs northward on runway 35, so a right-side seat faces east toward the Magaliesberg range and the elevated Highveld plateau. You get a clear view back over Johannesburg's dense urban grid and the distinctive mine dumps of the East Rand as the aircraft climbs. Notable sights include: Johannesburg CBD skyline to the south, East Rand mine dumps (flat-topped yellow-white mounds), Magaliesberg ridge to the northeast, Highveld plateau stretching east.

What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?

When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Heathrow's most common arrival is from the east on runway 27L or 27R, meaning the aircraft approaches from over central London heading west. A left-side seat gives you a prolonged view over the Thames, the City of London, and the West End as you descend through 3,000-5,000 feet on final approach. Notable sights include: Thames River bends through central London, City of London tower cluster, Windsor Castle and Great Park to the west, M25 motorway ring.

How long is the flight from Johannesburg to London?

The flight from Grand Central (GCJ) to Heathrow (LHR) takes Approximately 11 to 12 hours.

What does the Johannesburg to London flight path pass over?

The route tracks north-northwest from Johannesburg, crossing the Limpopo River and Zimbabwe's highveld, then over the Congo Basin rainforest (a vast unbroken green canopy), the Gulf of Guinea coastline near Nigeria, the Sahara Desert (ergs and hamada plains visible in clear conditions), the Atlas Mountains of Morocco or Algeria depending on routing, the Strait of Gibraltar or Iberian Peninsula, the Bay of Biscay, and finally the English Channel before descent into London