The right side wins on both ends of the flight — London's Docklands during the departure turn and the Pearl River Delta on arrival — plus during the long cruise it faces the more varied terrain of Kazakhstan's steppe, the Gobi Desert, and Mongolia's plateau, compared to the flatter Siberian taiga on the left.
Flown LCY to CAN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Guangzhou is 5,880 miles (9,464 km), a flight of about 10 hours 45 minutes.
Ural Mountains foothills, Kazakh steppe, Gobi Desert, Mongolian plateau
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LCY
RIGHTDeparting LCY runway 27, the aircraft climbs west over the Thames then banks right onto an easterly routing toward Europe. That right-hand turn puts Canary Wharf, the Thames loop around the Isle of Dogs, and the O2 Arena directly under the right side of the aircraft before leveling off over Essex.
Landing at CAN
RIGHTOn approach into CAN from the north, the flight path typically tracks the west side of the Pearl River Delta, giving right-side passengers views of the river's branching channels and the dense urban grid of Guangzhou before the runways at Baiyun come into view.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from City (LCY) to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Guangzhou. The right side wins on both ends of the flight — London's Docklands during the departure turn and the Pearl River Delta on arrival — plus during the long cruise it faces the more varied terrain of Kazakhstan's steppe, the Gobi Desert, and Mongolia's plateau, compared to the flatter Siberian taiga on the left.
What can I see during takeoff from City in London?
During takeoff from City (LCY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing LCY runway 27, the aircraft climbs west over the Thames then banks right onto an easterly routing toward Europe. That right-hand turn puts Canary Wharf, the Thames loop around the Isle of Dogs, and the O2 Arena directly under the right side of the aircraft before leveling off over Essex. Notable sights include: River Thames, Canary Wharf skyline, O2 Arena, Docklands.
What can I see when landing at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in Guangzhou?
When landing at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into CAN from the north, the flight path typically tracks the west side of the Pearl River Delta, giving right-side passengers views of the river's branching channels and the dense urban grid of Guangzhou before the runways at Baiyun come into view. Notable sights include: Pearl River channels, Guangzhou urban sprawl, Baiyun Mountain, Baiyun Airport runways.
How long is the flight from London to Guangzhou?
The flight from City (LCY) to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) takes about 10 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,880 miles (9,464 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Guangzhou flight path pass over?
Ural Mountains foothills, Kazakh steppe, Gobi Desert, Mongolian plateau