The left side captures the most visually distinctive moments of the flight — Oahu's volcanic coastline on departure and London's river and skyline on arrival — while the right side sees mostly featureless ocean during both the Hawaii departure and the long transpacific/transatlantic cruise.
Flight Path
The great-circle route crosses the Pacific Northwest and western Canada, passing near the Rocky Mountains, then continues over Hudson Bay and the southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet before crossing the North Atlantic toward the British Isles.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from HNL
LEFTDeparting on the Reef Runway heading east-northeast, the initial turn puts Oahu's south shore on the left side, giving passengers a clear view of Diamond Head crater, Waikiki, and the Koolau Range before the aircraft turns out over open water toward the mainland.
Landing at LHR
LEFTOn the typical easterly arrival into Heathrow during westerly operations, the descent path crosses over Central London before the final turn onto approach, and the northern flight corridor gives left-side passengers a view of the Thames, Canary Wharf, and the City skyline.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Honolulu International (HNL) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Honolulu to London. The left side captures the most visually distinctive moments of the flight — Oahu's volcanic coastline on departure and London's river and skyline on arrival — while the right side sees mostly featureless ocean during both the Hawaii departure and the long transpacific/transatlantic cruise.
What can I see during takeoff from Honolulu International in Honolulu?
During takeoff from Honolulu International (HNL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing on the Reef Runway heading east-northeast, the initial turn puts Oahu's south shore on the left side, giving passengers a clear view of Diamond Head crater, Waikiki, and the Koolau Range before the aircraft turns out over open water toward the mainland. Notable sights include: Diamond Head crater, Waikiki coastline, Koolau Range, Pearl Harbor.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the typical easterly arrival into Heathrow during westerly operations, the descent path crosses over Central London before the final turn onto approach, and the northern flight corridor gives left-side passengers a view of the Thames, Canary Wharf, and the City skyline. Notable sights include: River Thames, Canary Wharf towers, The Shard, Central London skyline.
How long is the flight from Honolulu to London?
The flight from Honolulu International (HNL) to Heathrow (LHR) takes 10h 45m.
What does the Honolulu to London flight path pass over?
The great-circle route crosses the Pacific Northwest and western Canada, passing near the Rocky Mountains, then continues over Hudson Bay and the southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet before crossing the North Atlantic toward the British Isles.