The right side wins across the full flight: it offers the Titiwangsa range on departure, a chance at Himalayan foothills and the Caspian/Zagros mountains during cruise, and a London skyline glimpse on arrival, while the left side is dominated by flatter, less varied terrain in each phase.
Flown KUL to LGW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Kuala Lumpur to London is 6,583 miles (10,594 km), a flight of about 13 hours 10 minutes.
Northern Indian plains giving way to the Hindu Kush foothills, the Caspian Sea, Iran's Zagros Mountains, and the Alps near the Austria-Germany border before descent into England
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from KUL
RIGHTDeparting KUL toward the northwest (runway 32), a right-side window looks inland toward the Titiwangsa mountain range that runs down the Malay Peninsula's spine, giving a layered green ridge backdrop as the plane climbs. The left side mostly shows flat palm-oil plantations and the low Selangor coastline, which is less dramatic.
Landing at LGW
RIGHTOn approach to Gatwick from the east (runway 26 landings), the right side faces north across the Weald toward London, offering a distant but recognizable glimpse of the city skyline and the Thames on a clear day. The left side over the South Downs and Sussex countryside is pleasant but visually repetitive farmland.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Kuala Lumpur International (KUL) to Gatwick (LGW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Kuala Lumpur to London. The right side wins across the full flight: it offers the Titiwangsa range on departure, a chance at Himalayan foothills and the Caspian/Zagros mountains during cruise, and a London skyline glimpse on arrival, while the left side is dominated by flatter, less varied terrain in each phase.
What can I see during takeoff from Kuala Lumpur International in Kuala Lumpur?
During takeoff from Kuala Lumpur International (KUL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing KUL toward the northwest (runway 32), a right-side window looks inland toward the Titiwangsa mountain range that runs down the Malay Peninsula's spine, giving a layered green ridge backdrop as the plane climbs. The left side mostly shows flat palm-oil plantations and the low Selangor coastline, which is less dramatic. Notable sights include: Titiwangsa Range foothills, Klang Valley outskirts, Selangor river deltas.
What can I see when landing at Gatwick in London?
When landing at Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to Gatwick from the east (runway 26 landings), the right side faces north across the Weald toward London, offering a distant but recognizable glimpse of the city skyline and the Thames on a clear day. The left side over the South Downs and Sussex countryside is pleasant but visually repetitive farmland. Notable sights include: Distant London skyline (Shard, Canary Wharf), Thames Estuary glint, North Downs ridgeline, Weald patchwork fields.
How long is the flight from Kuala Lumpur to London?
The flight from Kuala Lumpur International (KUL) to Gatwick (LGW) takes about 13 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,583 miles (10,594 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Kuala Lumpur to London flight path pass over?
Northern Indian plains giving way to the Hindu Kush foothills, the Caspian Sea, Iran's Zagros Mountains, and the Alps near the Austria-Germany border before descent into England