Right-side seats capture the most dramatic geography: Yorkshire moorlands on departure, then the entire crossing of the English Channel, France, and the Alps as they rise toward the horizon during cruise. On descent into Crete, left seats gain the advantage, but the outbound views are more sustained and visually distinctive.
Flown LBA to CHQ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Leeds to Chania is 1,773 miles (2,854 km), a flight of about 3 hours 45 minutes.
English Channel crossing (visible as water transition from UK to France), Cotswolds and Thames Valley during climb-out, French countryside and Seine valley during cruise, Alps appearing on the southern horizon during mid-flight (typically visible as a distant jagged line from 30,000+ feet), Mediterranean coast of southern France near Marseille, then open Mediterranean Sea for the final 90 minutes before Crete appears on the horizon
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from LBA
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Pennines ridge running south from Leeds, with moorland and valleys visible across Yorkshire. LBA typically departs runway 14 (northeast) or 32 (southwest); either direction gives good right-side views of the upland terrain that defines the landscape immediately south and east of the airport.
Landing at CHQ
LEFTApproaching Chania from the northeast (typical arrival routing), left-side seats offer views of Crete's north coast, the White Mountains inland, and the Aegean Sea. The descent path provides excellent perspective of the island's dramatic topography and the approach over water before landing.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Leeds Bradford (LBA) to Souda (CHQ)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Leeds to Chania. Right-side seats capture the most dramatic geography: Yorkshire moorlands on departure, then the entire crossing of the English Channel, France, and the Alps as they rise toward the horizon during cruise. On descent into Crete, left seats gain the advantage, but the outbound views are more sustained and visually distinctive.
What can I see during takeoff from Leeds Bradford in Leeds?
During takeoff from Leeds Bradford (LBA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Pennines ridge running south from Leeds, with moorland and valleys visible across Yorkshire. LBA typically departs runway 14 (northeast) or 32 (southwest); either direction gives good right-side views of the upland terrain that defines the landscape immediately south and east of the airport. Notable sights include: Pennine moorland ridge, Wharfedale valley, Airedale valley, Calderdale hills.
What can I see when landing at Souda in Chania?
When landing at Souda (CHQ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Approaching Chania from the northeast (typical arrival routing), left-side seats offer views of Crete's north coast, the White Mountains inland, and the Aegean Sea. The descent path provides excellent perspective of the island's dramatic topography and the approach over water before landing. Notable sights include: White Mountains (Lefka Ori), Chania harbor and old town, Aegean Sea, Cretan coastline.
How long is the flight from Leeds to Chania?
The flight from Leeds Bradford (LBA) to Souda (CHQ) takes about 3 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,773 miles (2,854 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Leeds to Chania flight path pass over?
English Channel crossing (visible as water transition from UK to France), Cotswolds and Thames Valley during climb-out, French countryside and Seine valley during cruise, Alps appearing on the southern horizon during mid-flight (typically visible as a distant jagged line from 30,000+ feet), Mediterranean coast of southern France near Marseille, then open Mediterranean Sea for the final 90 minutes before Crete appears on the horizon