Imperial to London is 5,413 miles (8,711 km), a flight of about 10 hours 35 minutes.
The takeoff from Imperial offers more dramatic and varied scenery than the landing approach. While the London landing provides urban interest, the Colorado River, Salton Sea, and San Bernardino Mountains create a more visually distinctive departure experience.
Flight Path
Over the Atlantic: the Appalachian Mountains visible during departure from North America; the Mid-Atlantic Ridge features (though not visible at cruising altitude); the Irish coast and Celtic Sea during approach to European airspace; the Pennines and Lake District visible during descent into UK airspace on clear days
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IPL
LEFTLeft seats offer views of the Colorado River and the Salton Sea immediately after departure, with the San Bernardino Mountains visible to the north. Right seats face inland desert with minimal visual interest during climb-out.
Landing at LHR
RIGHTRight seats provide excellent views of the Thames estuary, London's urban sprawl, and the approach over southern England. The descent path typically brings the aircraft over Kent and Essex, with the Thames clearly visible snaking through the city before final approach to Heathrow.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Imperial Co (IPL) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Imperial to London. The takeoff from Imperial offers more dramatic and varied scenery than the landing approach. While the London landing provides urban interest, the Colorado River, Salton Sea, and San Bernardino Mountains create a more visually distinctive departure experience.
What can I see during takeoff from Imperial Co in Imperial?
During takeoff from Imperial Co (IPL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left seats offer views of the Colorado River and the Salton Sea immediately after departure, with the San Bernardino Mountains visible to the north. Right seats face inland desert with minimal visual interest during climb-out. Notable sights include: Colorado River, Salton Sea, San Bernardino Mountains, Imperial Valley agricultural grid.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats provide excellent views of the Thames estuary, London's urban sprawl, and the approach over southern England. The descent path typically brings the aircraft over Kent and Essex, with the Thames clearly visible snaking through the city before final approach to Heathrow. Notable sights include: Thames estuary and river, Greater London urban area, Kent countryside, North Downs ridge.
How long is the flight from Imperial to London?
The flight from Imperial Co (IPL) to Heathrow (LHR) takes about 10 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,413 miles (8,711 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Imperial to London flight path pass over?
Over the Atlantic: the Appalachian Mountains visible during departure from North America; the Mid-Atlantic Ridge features (though not visible at cruising altitude); the Irish coast and Celtic Sea during approach to European airspace; the Pennines and Lake District visible during descent into UK airspace on clear days