Left side wins both ends of the flight — the Channel Islands panorama on departure and the London cityscape on approach. During the cruise over southern England the left side also faces south toward the Hampshire and Surrey countryside, though at cruising altitude the views are less dramatic than the departure and arrival phases.
Flown JER to LHR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Jersey to London is 174 miles (280 km), a flight of about 50 minutes.
The flight crosses the English Channel north of the Channel Islands, then tracks over the Hampshire coast near Bournemouth or Southampton, crosses the New Forest and Surrey Hills, and descends over the outer London suburbs. The Solent and Southampton Water are visible on the left side during the channel crossing phase.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from JER
LEFTJersey Airport typically departs eastward on runway 09, so the left (north) side gives you a view back over St Helier harbour and the rocky northern coastline of Jersey as you climb out. You'll also see the other Channel Islands — Guernsey and Sark — laid out clearly to the northwest as the aircraft turns toward England.
Landing at LHR
LEFTHeathrow predominantly uses westerly runways (27L/27R), meaning the approach is from the east heading west. The left (south) side on approach gives a clear view over central London — the Thames, the City, and Canary Wharf — as the aircraft descends over the eastern suburbs. The right side faces north toward the less distinctive outer suburbs.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Jersey (JER) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Jersey to London. Left side wins both ends of the flight — the Channel Islands panorama on departure and the London cityscape on approach. During the cruise over southern England the left side also faces south toward the Hampshire and Surrey countryside, though at cruising altitude the views are less dramatic than the departure and arrival phases.
What can I see during takeoff from Jersey in Jersey?
During takeoff from Jersey (JER), sit on the Left side for the best views. Jersey Airport typically departs eastward on runway 09, so the left (north) side gives you a view back over St Helier harbour and the rocky northern coastline of Jersey as you climb out. You'll also see the other Channel Islands — Guernsey and Sark — laid out clearly to the northwest as the aircraft turns toward England. Notable sights include: St Helier harbour and town, Guernsey to the northwest, Sark's distinctive plateau shape, Jersey's rocky north coast bays.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Heathrow predominantly uses westerly runways (27L/27R), meaning the approach is from the east heading west. The left (south) side on approach gives a clear view over central London — the Thames, the City, and Canary Wharf — as the aircraft descends over the eastern suburbs. The right side faces north toward the less distinctive outer suburbs. Notable sights include: River Thames snaking through London, Canary Wharf tower cluster, The City of London and Wembley Stadium arch, Windsor Castle and Great Park to the west on final approach.
How long is the flight from Jersey to London?
The flight from Jersey (JER) to Heathrow (LHR) takes about 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 174 miles (280 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Jersey to London flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the English Channel north of the Channel Islands, then tracks over the Hampshire coast near Bournemouth or Southampton, crosses the New Forest and Surrey Hills, and descends over the outer London suburbs. The Solent and Southampton Water are visible on the left side during the channel crossing phase.