While right seats win on departure for the ice sheet and Davis Strait drama, left seats dominate the landing approach with Thames views and London landmarks. Since the landing sequence is longer and more visually rewarding, left is the overall choice for this route.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic in a great-circle arc. Roughly midway, you'll pass south of Iceland (not visible—too far north of track), over the open Atlantic with no landmarks. The route then approaches the UK from the northwest, passing over the Atlantic approaches to the Irish Sea. Weather permitting, you may glimpse the Scottish Hebrides or Irish coast on the left side during descent, but the Atlantic crossing itself offers no visible landmarks—just open ocean and cloud patterns.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Nuuk (GOH) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Godthaab to London. While right seats win on departure for the ice sheet and Davis Strait drama, left seats dominate the landing approach with Thames views and London landmarks. Since the landing sequence is longer and more visually rewarding, left is the overall choice for this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Nuuk in Godthaab?
During takeoff from Nuuk (GOH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Nuuk typically departs runway 09 (westbound) or 27 (eastbound). Right-side seats on an eastbound departure capture the dramatic Davis Strait coastline and the ice sheet margin as you climb. Westbound departures favor left seats, but eastbound is more common for transatlantic routing to London. Notable sights include: Nuuk fjord system (immediately below during climb), Greenland ice sheet eastern margin (visible as bright white plateau receding inland), Davis Strait (dark water body to the east), coastal mountain ridges of western Greenland.
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 uses runways 27L/27R for westerly operations (most common) or 09L/09R for easterly. On approach from the northwest, left-side seats provide the best views of the Thames, central London landmarks, and the approach path over the Home Counties. You'll see the river's distinctive meanders and the urban sprawl clearly. Notable sights include: River Thames with its characteristic meanders (visible from 15+ miles out), Greater London urban area (extensive built-up zone), Windsor Castle area and surrounding parkland (visible southwest of approach path), Heathrow's runway complex and taxiway network.
How long is the flight from Godthaab to London?
The flight from Nuuk (GOH) to Heathrow (LHR) takes Approximately 5 hours 45 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Godthaab to London flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic in a great-circle arc. Roughly midway, you'll pass south of Iceland (not visible—too far north of track), over the open Atlantic with no landmarks. The route then approaches the UK from the northwest, passing over the Atlantic approaches to the Irish Sea. Weather permitting, you may glimpse the Scottish Hebrides or Irish coast on the left side during descent, but the Atlantic crossing itself offers no visible landmarks—just open ocean and cloud patterns.