The left side wins overall because the Istanbul departure sequence offers an exceptional, world-famous view of the Bosphorus and historic peninsula, and the cruise phase over the Balkans and the Alpine foothills near Slovenia/Austria adds further mountain scenery on that side, outweighing the shorter London skyline glimpse on the right during landing.
Flight Path
The route's midpoint falls near the Slovenia-Austria border, where the Julian Alps and eastern Alpine foothills are visible below, with the Danube basin and Vienna area passing to the north shortly before.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IST
LEFTDepartures from Istanbul Airport typically climb out and bank toward the south/southwest en route to Europe, putting the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn, and the historic peninsula on the left side of the aircraft. This is one of the most recognizable urban views in the world visible from a plane window.
Landing at LHR
RIGHTOn the common westerly approach into Heathrow, arriving flights from the east cross south London before turning onto final approach heading west, placing the Thames, Canary Wharf, and the London Eye/Westminster area on the right side of the cabin. This gives a brief but distinctive skyline view rarely matched by the left side, which mostly shows suburban rooftops.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to London. The left side wins overall because the Istanbul departure sequence offers an exceptional, world-famous view of the Bosphorus and historic peninsula, and the cruise phase over the Balkans and the Alpine foothills near Slovenia/Austria adds further mountain scenery on that side, outweighing the shorter London skyline glimpse on the right during landing.
What can I see during takeoff from İstanbul Airport in Istanbul?
During takeoff from İstanbul Airport (IST), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departures from Istanbul Airport typically climb out and bank toward the south/southwest en route to Europe, putting the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn, and the historic peninsula on the left side of the aircraft. This is one of the most recognizable urban views in the world visible from a plane window. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Golden Horn, historic Istanbul peninsula (Hagia Sophia/Topkapı area), Sea of Marmara.
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 westerly approach into Heathrow, arriving flights from the east cross south London before turning onto final approach heading west, placing the Thames, Canary Wharf, and the London Eye/Westminster area on the right side of the cabin. This gives a brief but distinctive skyline view rarely matched by the left side, which mostly shows suburban rooftops. Notable sights include: River Thames bends, Canary Wharf towers, London Eye and Westminster, Wembley Stadium arch.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to London?
The flight from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Heathrow (LHR) takes 4h15m.
What does the Istanbul to London flight path pass over?
The route's midpoint falls near the Slovenia-Austria border, where the Julian Alps and eastern Alpine foothills are visible below, with the Danube basin and Vienna area passing to the north shortly before.