The right side dominates this route. Takeoff offers the Thames estuary and North Sea, and more importantly, the entire 9,000+ mile flight path crosses over the Mediterranean, Middle East, Indian Ocean, and approaches Australia from the west—all best viewed from the right side of the aircraft heading southeast.
Flown LCY to SYD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Sydney is 10,556 miles (16,988 km), a flight of about 17 hours 15 minutes.
Mediterranean Sea and North African coast (early flight), Suez Canal region, Red Sea, Arabian Peninsula and Persian Gulf, Indian Ocean with occasional shipping lanes and weather systems, approach to Australia via the Great Australian Bight and Southern Ocean
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LCY
RIGHTRight side captures the Thames estuary and North Sea coastline as the aircraft climbs eastward from London City. You'll see the river's distinctive meanders and the Kent marshlands spreading below.
Landing at SYD
LEFTLeft side offers the best views during descent into Sydney. You'll see the Blue Mountains as a distinctive ridge on the western horizon, then the Nepean River valley, and finally Sydney Harbour's iconic geography as you approach from the west.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from City (LCY) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Sydney. The right side dominates this route. Takeoff offers the Thames estuary and North Sea, and more importantly, the entire 9,000+ mile flight path crosses over the Mediterranean, Middle East, Indian Ocean, and approaches Australia from the west—all best viewed from the right side of the aircraft heading southeast.
What can I see during takeoff from City in London?
During takeoff from City (LCY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side captures the Thames estuary and North Sea coastline as the aircraft climbs eastward from London City. You'll see the river's distinctive meanders and the Kent marshlands spreading below. Notable sights include: River Thames estuary, North Sea coastline, Kent marshlands, Essex flatlands.
What can I see when landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport in Sydney?
When landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers the best views during descent into Sydney. You'll see the Blue Mountains as a distinctive ridge on the western horizon, then the Nepean River valley, and finally Sydney Harbour's iconic geography as you approach from the west. Notable sights include: Blue Mountains, Nepean River valley, Sydney Harbour, Parramatta River.
How long is the flight from London to Sydney?
The flight from City (LCY) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) takes about 17 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 10,556 miles (16,988 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Sydney flight path pass over?
Mediterranean Sea and North African coast (early flight), Suez Canal region, Red Sea, Arabian Peninsula and Persian Gulf, Indian Ocean with occasional shipping lanes and weather systems, approach to Australia via the Great Australian Bight and Southern Ocean