The left side wins on the strength of the Istanbul/Bosphorus departure view and a possible distant London skyline glimpse on arrival, while the right side offers mostly flat, unremarkable terrain throughout the flight.
Flown IST to STN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Istanbul to London is 1,525 miles (2,455 km), a flight of about 3 hours 55 minutes.
Balkan Peninsula uplands, Carpathian foothills, Hungarian and North European plains beneath the cruise track
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IST
LEFTDeparting IST toward the west, the initial climb and turn put Istanbul's historic peninsula, the Bosphorus strait, and the Sea of Marmara coastline on the left side of the aircraft. It's a rare chance to see a major world city and its waterway from the air right after takeoff.
Landing at STN
LEFTOn approach to Stansted from the northeast, the descent path crosses the flat Essex countryside, and on clear days a hazy view of London's skyline and the Thames basin can appear low on the southern horizon to the left. The right side shows only featureless farmland.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Stansted (STN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to London. The left side wins on the strength of the Istanbul/Bosphorus departure view and a possible distant London skyline glimpse on arrival, while the right side offers mostly flat, unremarkable terrain throughout the flight.
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. Departing IST toward the west, the initial climb and turn put Istanbul's historic peninsula, the Bosphorus strait, and the Sea of Marmara coastline on the left side of the aircraft. It's a rare chance to see a major world city and its waterway from the air right after takeoff. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Golden Horn, Sea of Marmara coastline, Istanbul's old city skyline.
What can I see when landing at Stansted in London?
When landing at Stansted (STN), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to Stansted from the northeast, the descent path crosses the flat Essex countryside, and on clear days a hazy view of London's skyline and the Thames basin can appear low on the southern horizon to the left. The right side shows only featureless farmland. Notable sights include: Essex farmland patchwork, distant London skyline haze, small reservoirs and river bends near Stansted.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to London?
The flight from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Stansted (STN) takes about 3 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,525 miles (2,455 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Istanbul to London flight path pass over?
Balkan Peninsula uplands, Carpathian foothills, Hungarian and North European plains beneath the cruise track