Right-side seats win overall because the departure scenery over the Baltic archipelago is more visually distinctive and sustained than the landing approach. While the landing offers good views of the Thames and North Downs, the takeoff provides 20+ minutes of varied island and water scenery that is genuinely unique to this route.
Flown HEL to LGW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Helsinki to London is 1,155 miles (1,858 km), a flight of about 2 hours 55 minutes.
The flight path crosses the North Sea at altitude, passing over the Danish straits region (Øresund) and then over the English Midlands. At cruise altitude, the North Sea itself is visible as open water for roughly 90 minutes of the flight. The transition from Scandinavian geography to British geography occurs over the North Sea with no major landmarks visible at cruise altitude. The descent begins over East Anglia, with the flat Norfolk and Suffolk coastline and inland agricultural plains becoming visible as the aircraft descends toward the Thames Valley approach.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from HEL
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Baltic Sea and the Finnish archipelago immediately after departure. The aircraft climbs southwest over water and coastal islands, providing clear sightlines to the intricate island patterns and open water that dominate the first 15-20 minutes of flight.
Landing at LGW
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Gatwick. The approach from the northeast brings the aircraft over the North Downs and the Thames Valley, with clear sightlines to the Surrey Hills, the River Thames winding through the landscape, and the Greater London sprawl before final descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Helsinki Vantaa (HEL) to Gatwick (LGW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Helsinki to London. Right-side seats win overall because the departure scenery over the Baltic archipelago is more visually distinctive and sustained than the landing approach. While the landing offers good views of the Thames and North Downs, the takeoff provides 20+ minutes of varied island and water scenery that is genuinely unique to this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Helsinki Vantaa in Helsinki?
During takeoff from Helsinki Vantaa (HEL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Baltic Sea and the Finnish archipelago immediately after departure. The aircraft climbs southwest over water and coastal islands, providing clear sightlines to the intricate island patterns and open water that dominate the first 15-20 minutes of flight. Notable sights include: Baltic Sea, Finnish archipelago (Åland Islands region to the west), Gulf of Finland coastline, Helsinki metropolitan area receding behind.
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 provide excellent views during descent into Gatwick. The approach from the northeast brings the aircraft over the North Downs and the Thames Valley, with clear sightlines to the Surrey Hills, the River Thames winding through the landscape, and the Greater London sprawl before final descent. Notable sights include: North Downs (chalk hills), River Thames and its meanders, Greater London urban area, Gatwick Airport and surrounding Sussex countryside.
How long is the flight from Helsinki to London?
The flight from Helsinki Vantaa (HEL) to Gatwick (LGW) takes about 2 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,155 miles (1,858 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Helsinki to London flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Sea at altitude, passing over the Danish straits region (Øresund) and then over the English Midlands. At cruise altitude, the North Sea itself is visible as open water for roughly 90 minutes of the flight. The transition from Scandinavian geography to British geography occurs over the North Sea with no major landmarks visible at cruise altitude. The descent begins over East Anglia, with the flat Norfolk and Suffolk coastline and inland agricultural plains becoming visible as the aircraft descends toward the Thames Valley approach.