While takeoff favors the right, the landing approach into Heraklion is far more visually rewarding on the left, offering extended views of the Aegean, Cretan coastline, and the dramatic White Mountains. The landing experience outweighs the brief takeoff advantage.
Flown LBA to HER? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Leeds to Heraklion is 1,818 miles (2,926 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the English Midlands (Cotswolds visible to the right), then the English Channel near the Strait of Dover, continues over northern France (Seine Valley and Paris region potentially visible depending on exact routing), crosses the Alps (Mont Blanc massif visible to the right on clear days), then descends over the Mediterranean, passing over the Italian coast near the Tyrrhenian Sea before heading southeast toward Crete. The Balearic Islands may be visible to the right during the Mediterranean crossing depending on the specific routing chosen by air traffic control.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LBA
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Pennines as the aircraft climbs southeastward from Leeds Bradford. The ridge runs roughly north-south and will be visible off the right wing during the initial climb phase.
Landing at HER
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Heraklion. The aircraft approaches from the northwest, and left-side passengers will see the Cretan coastline, the Aegean Sea, and the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) in the distance as the plane descends toward the northern coast.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Leeds Bradford (LBA) to Nikos Kazantzakis (HER)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Leeds to Heraklion. While takeoff favors the right, the landing approach into Heraklion is far more visually rewarding on the left, offering extended views of the Aegean, Cretan coastline, and the dramatic White Mountains. The landing experience outweighs the brief takeoff advantage.
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 offer views of the Pennines as the aircraft climbs southeastward from Leeds Bradford. The ridge runs roughly north-south and will be visible off the right wing during the initial climb phase. Notable sights include: Pennine Hills, Aire Valley, Leeds city center, Calderdale moorlands.
What can I see when landing at Nikos Kazantzakis in Heraklion?
When landing at Nikos Kazantzakis (HER), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Heraklion. The aircraft approaches from the northwest, and left-side passengers will see the Cretan coastline, the Aegean Sea, and the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) in the distance as the plane descends toward the northern coast. Notable sights include: Cretan coastline, Aegean Sea, White Mountains (Lefka Ori), Heraklion harbor and city.
How long is the flight from Leeds to Heraklion?
The flight from Leeds Bradford (LBA) to Nikos Kazantzakis (HER) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,818 miles (2,926 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Leeds to Heraklion flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the English Midlands (Cotswolds visible to the right), then the English Channel near the Strait of Dover, continues over northern France (Seine Valley and Paris region potentially visible depending on exact routing), crosses the Alps (Mont Blanc massif visible to the right on clear days), then descends over the Mediterranean, passing over the Italian coast near the Tyrrhenian Sea before heading southeast toward Crete. The Balearic Islands may be visible to the right during the Mediterranean crossing depending on the specific routing chosen by air traffic control.