The right side bookends the flight with two of the most iconic skyline views in commercial aviation — Hong Kong's harbor at takeoff and London's Thames corridor at landing — giving it more consistent, recognizable landmark density than the left, whose main advantage is distant, hazy views of Central Asian mountains and desert at cruise altitude.
Flight Path
Route crosses southwestern China near the Tibetan Plateau's eastern edge, then the Taklamakan Desert and Tian Shan range in Xinjiang, the Kazakh Steppe, and the Ural Mountains before crossing the North European Plain toward the North Sea and England
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from HKG
RIGHTHKG departures toward Europe climb out and bank north over the Pearl River Delta, and during that turn the right side gets a sweeping look back at Hong Kong Island's skyline and Victoria Harbour before the coastline gives way to the mainland. It's one of the most recognizable urban views of any departure in Asia.
Landing at LHR
RIGHTOn the common easterly arrival into Heathrow's westerly-operating runways, the descent path tracks roughly along the Thames corridor, putting central London's landmarks on the right side before the plane continues west over Richmond and Windsor. It's a classic, landmark-dense final approach.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Hong Kong International (HKG) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Hong Kong to London. The right side bookends the flight with two of the most iconic skyline views in commercial aviation — Hong Kong's harbor at takeoff and London's Thames corridor at landing — giving it more consistent, recognizable landmark density than the left, whose main advantage is distant, hazy views of Central Asian mountains and desert at cruise altitude.
What can I see during takeoff from Hong Kong International in Hong Kong?
During takeoff from Hong Kong International (HKG), sit on the Right side for the best views. HKG departures toward Europe climb out and bank north over the Pearl River Delta, and during that turn the right side gets a sweeping look back at Hong Kong Island's skyline and Victoria Harbour before the coastline gives way to the mainland. It's one of the most recognizable urban views of any departure in Asia. Notable sights include: Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island skyscraper skyline (IFC Tower, Bank of China Tower), Kowloon Peninsula, outlying islands of the South China Sea.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the common easterly arrival into Heathrow's westerly-operating runways, the descent path tracks roughly along the Thames corridor, putting central London's landmarks on the right side before the plane continues west over Richmond and Windsor. It's a classic, landmark-dense final approach. Notable sights include: River Thames and Canary Wharf towers, the London Eye and Shard near the city center, Kew Gardens and Richmond Park, Windsor Castle just before touchdown.
How long is the flight from Hong Kong to London?
The flight from Hong Kong International (HKG) to Heathrow (LHR) takes 13h 05m.
What does the Hong Kong to London flight path pass over?
Route crosses southwestern China near the Tibetan Plateau's eastern edge, then the Taklamakan Desert and Tian Shan range in Xinjiang, the Kazakh Steppe, and the Ural Mountains before crossing the North European Plain toward the North Sea and England