While the left side offers excellent estuary views on departure, the right side during landing provides superior scenery with the Missouri River, Kansas City skyline, and distinctive landmarks. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
Flown LCY to MCI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Kansas City is 4,345 miles (6,993 km), a flight of about 8 hours 15 minutes.
The flight crosses the Atlantic over open ocean with no visible landmarks for approximately 5 hours. Upon reaching North America, the aircraft passes over Newfoundland and Labrador (if visible through clouds), then crosses Quebec and Ontario. The Great Lakes region (particularly Lake Michigan and Lake Huron) may be visible on the southern route. The flight then crosses the American Midwest over Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri, passing over the Mississippi River valley and gradually transitioning to flatter prairie terrain as it approaches Kansas City from the east.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LCY
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Thames estuary and North Sea coast as the aircraft climbs out eastward over water. Right side shows only inland London suburbs and the Midlands.
Landing at MCI
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Missouri River and Kansas City's downtown skyline during approach from the east. Left side shows only flat prairie and suburban sprawl without distinctive landmarks.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from City (LCY) to Kansas City International (MCI)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Kansas City. While the left side offers excellent estuary views on departure, the right side during landing provides superior scenery with the Missouri River, Kansas City skyline, and distinctive landmarks. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
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 coast as the aircraft climbs out eastward over water. Right side shows only inland London suburbs and the Midlands. Notable sights include: Thames estuary, North Sea coastline, Essex marshlands, Kent coast.
What can I see when landing at Kansas City International in Kansas City?
When landing at Kansas City International (MCI), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the Missouri River and Kansas City's downtown skyline during approach from the east. Left side shows only flat prairie and suburban sprawl without distinctive landmarks. Notable sights include: Missouri River, Kansas City downtown skyline, Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas River confluence.
How long is the flight from London to Kansas City?
The flight from City (LCY) to Kansas City International (MCI) takes about 8 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,345 miles (6,993 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Kansas City flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Atlantic over open ocean with no visible landmarks for approximately 5 hours. Upon reaching North America, the aircraft passes over Newfoundland and Labrador (if visible through clouds), then crosses Quebec and Ontario. The Great Lakes region (particularly Lake Michigan and Lake Huron) may be visible on the southern route. The flight then crosses the American Midwest over Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri, passing over the Mississippi River valley and gradually transitioning to flatter prairie terrain as it approaches Kansas City from the east.