Right-side seats capture the more dramatic geography: the Pennine departure and the Atlantic approach to Madeira's northern cliffs. Left offers less during takeoff but compensates somewhat on arrival; right wins overall.
Flown LBA to PXO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Leeds to Porto Santo is 1,607 miles (2,586 km), a flight of about 3 hours 45 minutes.
Flight path crosses the Irish Sea (north of Wales), then the Celtic Sea. Notable features include the Welsh coast (Pembrokeshire), the Bay of Biscay, and the approach to the Iberian Peninsula. The Cantabrian Mountains are visible on the horizon during the southern leg. No major landmarks directly on the route, but the transition from temperate Atlantic to subtropical waters is gradual and visible in ocean color and cloud patterns.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from LBA
RIGHTLeeds Bradford typically departs runway 14 (northeast) or 32 (southwest). Right-side seats offer views of the Pennines and the moorland south of Leeds during initial climb. The terrain rises immediately south and east, making this the more visually interesting departure.
Landing at PXO
LEFTApproaching Porto Santo (Madeira) typically uses runway 06 (northeast) or 24 (southwest). Left-side seats during descent offer views of the dramatic northern coast of Porto Santo island, the Atlantic cliffs, and the approach over open ocean. The island's steep topography and coastal features are far more striking from the left.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Leeds Bradford (LBA) to Porto Santo (PXO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Leeds to Porto Santo. Right-side seats capture the more dramatic geography: the Pennine departure and the Atlantic approach to Madeira's northern cliffs. Left offers less during takeoff but compensates somewhat on arrival; right wins overall.
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. Leeds Bradford typically departs runway 14 (northeast) or 32 (southwest). Right-side seats offer views of the Pennines and the moorland south of Leeds during initial climb. The terrain rises immediately south and east, making this the more visually interesting departure. Notable sights include: Pennine moorland (south), Aire Valley (immediate vicinity), Leeds city center (northeast, receding), Wharfedale (east).
What can I see when landing at Porto Santo in Porto Santo?
When landing at Porto Santo (PXO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Approaching Porto Santo (Madeira) typically uses runway 06 (northeast) or 24 (southwest). Left-side seats during descent offer views of the dramatic northern coast of Porto Santo island, the Atlantic cliffs, and the approach over open ocean. The island's steep topography and coastal features are far more striking from the left. Notable sights include: Porto Santo island cliffs (north coast), Atlantic Ocean, Desertas Islands (distant, southeast), Madeira island (visible on horizon during final approach).
How long is the flight from Leeds to Porto Santo?
The flight from Leeds Bradford (LBA) to Porto Santo (PXO) takes about 3 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,607 miles (2,586 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Leeds to Porto Santo flight path pass over?
Flight path crosses the Irish Sea (north of Wales), then the Celtic Sea. Notable features include the Welsh coast (Pembrokeshire), the Bay of Biscay, and the approach to the Iberian Peninsula. The Cantabrian Mountains are visible on the horizon during the southern leg. No major landmarks directly on the route, but the transition from temperate Atlantic to subtropical waters is gradual and visible in ocean color and cloud patterns.