Takeoff from Keflavik on the right side offers superior views of Iceland's volcanic landscape and Atlantic coastline. While landing favors the left, the dramatic Reykjanes Peninsula and lava fields at departure provide more memorable scenery than Luton's approach over farmland and suburbs.
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Flight Path
Keflavik to London is 1,157 miles (1,862 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic at roughly 57-58°N latitude. At cruise altitude (31,000-35,000 feet), the midpoint offers views of open ocean with occasional cloud formations. The Faroe Islands (62°N, 7°W) lie north of the direct track but may be visible on clear days as a small dark cluster on the horizon. The flight then approaches the UK over the North Sea, with the Scottish coast (around 56°N) becoming visible approximately 45 minutes before Luton arrival. The East Anglian coast and Midlands appear in the final descent phase.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from KEF
RIGHTKeflavik typically departs runway 02 (northbound) or 20 (southbound). Right-side seats offer views of Iceland's southwestern coast, including the dramatic Reykjanes Peninsula lava fields and the Atlantic Ocean. Left seats face inland toward less visually distinctive terrain.
Landing at LTN
LEFTLuton typically uses runway 08 (eastbound) or 26 (westbound) for arrivals. Left-side seats on approach provide views of the Chiltern Hills, the Thames Valley, and London's northern suburbs. Right seats face toward less distinctive Bedfordshire farmland.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Keflavik Nas (KEF) to Luton (LTN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Keflavik to London. Takeoff from Keflavik on the right side offers superior views of Iceland's volcanic landscape and Atlantic coastline. While landing favors the left, the dramatic Reykjanes Peninsula and lava fields at departure provide more memorable scenery than Luton's approach over farmland and suburbs.
What can I see during takeoff from Keflavik Nas in Keflavik?
During takeoff from Keflavik Nas (KEF), sit on the Right side for the best views. Keflavik typically departs runway 02 (northbound) or 20 (southbound). Right-side seats offer views of Iceland's southwestern coast, including the dramatic Reykjanes Peninsula lava fields and the Atlantic Ocean. Left seats face inland toward less visually distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Reykjanes Peninsula (black lava fields), Atlantic Ocean, Fagradalsfjall volcanic region, Keflavik town and harbor.
What can I see when landing at Luton in London?
When landing at Luton (LTN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Luton typically uses runway 08 (eastbound) or 26 (westbound) for arrivals. Left-side seats on approach provide views of the Chiltern Hills, the Thames Valley, and London's northern suburbs. Right seats face toward less distinctive Bedfordshire farmland. Notable sights include: Chiltern Hills (rolling chalk uplands), Thames Valley, London's northern suburbs (Barnet, Enfield), Luton town center.
How long is the flight from Keflavik to London?
The flight from Keflavik Nas (KEF) to Luton (LTN) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,157 miles (1,862 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Keflavik to London flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic at roughly 57-58°N latitude. At cruise altitude (31,000-35,000 feet), the midpoint offers views of open ocean with occasional cloud formations. The Faroe Islands (62°N, 7°W) lie north of the direct track but may be visible on clear days as a small dark cluster on the horizon. The flight then approaches the UK over the North Sea, with the Scottish coast (around 56°N) becoming visible approximately 45 minutes before Luton arrival. The East Anglian coast and Midlands appear in the final descent phase.