While the takeoff offers good Thames estuary views, the landing approach over Lake Michigan and the Wisconsin landscape provides more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery. Lake Michigan is a major landmark visible from considerable distance, making the right side the stronger choice overall for this transatlantic route.
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Flight Path
London to Appleton is 3,878 miles (6,241 km), a flight of about 7 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Atlantic at high altitude (typically 33,000–35,000 feet), where individual landmarks are not visually distinctive. You'll pass over the North Atlantic, with occasional views of Greenland's ice sheet and the Canadian Arctic archipelago on the northern horizon during daylight hours. As you approach North America, the Canadian Shield and Great Lakes region become visible; Lake Superior and Lake Michigan are prominent landmarks during descent into the Midwest.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LCY
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Thames estuary and North Sea coastline as you climb out eastward from City Airport. You'll see the river's distinctive meanders and the flat Essex marshlands extending toward the horizon.
Landing at ATW
RIGHTRight side provides views of Lake Michigan and the Fox River valley as you descend into Appleton. The lake's vast blue expanse and the river's path through the Green Bay area are distinctive landmarks on approach from the east.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from City (LCY) to Appleton International Airport (ATW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Appleton. While the takeoff offers good Thames estuary views, the landing approach over Lake Michigan and the Wisconsin landscape provides more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery. Lake Michigan is a major landmark visible from considerable distance, making the right side the stronger choice overall for this transatlantic route.
What can I see during takeoff from City in London?
During takeoff from City (LCY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Thames estuary and North Sea coastline as you climb out eastward from City Airport. You'll see the river's distinctive meanders and the flat Essex marshlands extending toward the horizon. Notable sights include: River Thames estuary, North Sea coastline, Essex marshlands, Greater London urban sprawl to the west.
What can I see when landing at Appleton International Airport in Appleton?
When landing at Appleton International Airport (ATW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of Lake Michigan and the Fox River valley as you descend into Appleton. The lake's vast blue expanse and the river's path through the Green Bay area are distinctive landmarks on approach from the east. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan, Fox River valley, Green Bay area, Wisconsin farmland and forest.
How long is the flight from London to Appleton?
The flight from City (LCY) to Appleton International Airport (ATW) takes about 7 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,878 miles (6,241 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Appleton flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic at high altitude (typically 33,000–35,000 feet), where individual landmarks are not visually distinctive. You'll pass over the North Atlantic, with occasional views of Greenland's ice sheet and the Canadian Arctic archipelago on the northern horizon during daylight hours. As you approach North America, the Canadian Shield and Great Lakes region become visible; Lake Superior and Lake Michigan are prominent landmarks during descent into the Midwest.