The right side scores higher due to the landing sequence over São Paulo's dramatic metropolitan sprawl and mountain backdrop (3.0 vs 2.5). While London's Thames departure is scenic, the 11-hour flight is dominated by 9+ hours of Atlantic Ocean (max 2.0 for ocean-heavy sides). The right side benefits from a more visually interesting arrival into a major city surrounded by significant topography, offsetting the monotonous mid-ocean cruise.
Flight Path
North Atlantic Ocean (5+ hours of open water with no visible landmarks), Azores archipelago (occasionally visible at cruise altitude if flight path passes nearby, but typically 200+ miles south of standard routing), African coast near Senegal/Mauritania (approaching South America leg, visible as distant landmass on horizon during descent phase), equatorial Atlantic with no significant features
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LCY
LEFTRunway 27 (westbound, prevailing) departs over the Thames and Docklands, offering views of London's urban waterfront and the city's eastern districts. Runway 09 (eastbound, less frequent) departs over residential areas with minimal scenic value.
Landing at GRU
RIGHTGRU typically uses runway 28R for arrivals (westerly flow, common in São Paulo). Approach from the east brings views of the Atlantic coastal region, the Serra da Mantiqueira foothills, and the sprawling São Paulo metropolitan area with its distinctive urban density and high-rise clusters.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from City (LCY) to Guarulhos (GRU)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Sao Paulo. The right side scores higher due to the landing sequence over São Paulo's dramatic metropolitan sprawl and mountain backdrop (3.0 vs 2.5). While London's Thames departure is scenic, the 11-hour flight is dominated by 9+ hours of Atlantic Ocean (max 2.0 for ocean-heavy sides). The right side benefits from a more visually interesting arrival into a major city surrounded by significant topography, offsetting the monotonous mid-ocean cruise.
What can I see during takeoff from City in London?
During takeoff from City (LCY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Runway 27 (westbound, prevailing) departs over the Thames and Docklands, offering views of London's urban waterfront and the city's eastern districts. Runway 09 (eastbound, less frequent) departs over residential areas with minimal scenic value. Notable sights include: River Thames, Canary Wharf and Docklands skyline, London City Airport's position on the Isle of Dogs, Greenwich Peninsula.
What can I see when landing at Guarulhos in Sao Paulo?
When landing at Guarulhos (GRU), sit on the Right side for the best views. GRU typically uses runway 28R for arrivals (westerly flow, common in São Paulo). Approach from the east brings views of the Atlantic coastal region, the Serra da Mantiqueira foothills, and the sprawling São Paulo metropolitan area with its distinctive urban density and high-rise clusters. Notable sights include: Serra da Mantiqueira mountain range (distant, eastern horizon), São Paulo metropolitan sprawl with downtown skyscrapers, Guarulhos industrial zone, Cantareira Mountains to the north.
How long is the flight from London to Sao Paulo?
The flight from City (LCY) to Guarulhos (GRU) takes 11h 15m.
What does the London to Sao Paulo flight path pass over?
North Atlantic Ocean (5+ hours of open water with no visible landmarks), Azores archipelago (occasionally visible at cruise altitude if flight path passes nearby, but typically 200+ miles south of standard routing), African coast near Senegal/Mauritania (approaching South America leg, visible as distant landmass on horizon during descent phase), equatorial Atlantic with no significant features