While the left offers a strong takeoff experience over the Thames estuary, the right seat provides superior views on the longer descent into Orlando, where Florida's lake systems and metropolitan development create more visually interesting scenery across the final 45 minutes of flight.
Flown LCY to MCO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Orlando is 4,349 miles (7,000 km), a flight of about 7 hours 15 minutes.
The flight crosses the Atlantic at cruise altitude (typically 35,000 feet) with limited ground visibility. Notable waypoints include the Irish coast (west of departure), the Atlantic Ocean mid-crossing, and the North American coastline approaching Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. The approach to Florida crosses the Georgia and northern Florida coastlines, with the Atlantic visible on the right during descent. No major mountain ranges are visible on this route; the terrain transitions from UK lowlands to open ocean to North American coastal plains.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from LCY
LEFTLeft seats offer views of the Thames estuary and Kent coastline as the aircraft climbs out eastward over the North Sea approach. Right seats face inland toward central England with fewer distinctive landmarks during initial climb.
Landing at MCO
RIGHTRight seats provide views of central Florida's lake systems and the approach corridor over the Orlando metropolitan area. The descent path typically brings aircraft over Lake Apopka and the chain of lakes west of downtown Orlando before turning final toward MCO's east-west runways.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from City (LCY) to Orlando International (MCO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Orlando. While the left offers a strong takeoff experience over the Thames estuary, the right seat provides superior views on the longer descent into Orlando, where Florida's lake systems and metropolitan development create more visually interesting scenery across the final 45 minutes of flight.
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 seats offer views of the Thames estuary and Kent coastline as the aircraft climbs out eastward over the North Sea approach. Right seats face inland toward central England with fewer distinctive landmarks during initial climb. Notable sights include: Thames estuary, Kent coastline, North Sea, Essex marshlands.
What can I see when landing at Orlando International in Orlando?
When landing at Orlando International (MCO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats provide views of central Florida's lake systems and the approach corridor over the Orlando metropolitan area. The descent path typically brings aircraft over Lake Apopka and the chain of lakes west of downtown Orlando before turning final toward MCO's east-west runways. Notable sights include: Lake Apopka, Orlando downtown skyline, Florida's subtropical lake chain, Atlantic coastal plain.
How long is the flight from London to Orlando?
The flight from City (LCY) to Orlando International (MCO) takes about 7 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,349 miles (7,000 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Orlando flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Atlantic at cruise altitude (typically 35,000 feet) with limited ground visibility. Notable waypoints include the Irish coast (west of departure), the Atlantic Ocean mid-crossing, and the North American coastline approaching Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. The approach to Florida crosses the Georgia and northern Florida coastlines, with the Atlantic visible on the right during descent. No major mountain ranges are visible on this route; the terrain transitions from UK lowlands to open ocean to North American coastal plains.