Left side scores higher (3.5 vs 2.0) due to superior takeoff scenery from London's Thames and Docklands, combined with strong landing views of Tenerife's volcanic terrain and southern coast. Right side faces predominantly open Atlantic for most of the cruise phase, limiting scenic variety. The left side captures both urban drama at departure and dramatic island geology at arrival.
Flight Path
Bay of Biscay (open Atlantic, minimal landmarks), Iberian Peninsula coast near Portugal (distant, not directly overflown on typical routing), Strait of Gibraltar region (far to the south, not on direct track), Canary Islands archipelago approach with Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura visible as the aircraft descends toward Tenerife Sur
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LCY
LEFTRunway 27 (westbound, the prevailing departure direction) offers immediate views of the Thames, Docklands, and London's urban sprawl. The initial climb westward over Greater London provides recognizable city landmarks before turning southwest toward the Atlantic.
Landing at TFS
LEFTRunway 07 (the prevailing landing direction due to trade winds) brings aircraft in from the northeast, offering views of Tenerife's dramatic volcanic terrain. The approach descends over the island's interior and coastal features, with Mount Teide visible at altitude and the southern coast revealing beaches and resort development.
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 Tenerife Sur (TFS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Tenerife. Left side scores higher (3.5 vs 2.0) due to superior takeoff scenery from London's Thames and Docklands, combined with strong landing views of Tenerife's volcanic terrain and southern coast. Right side faces predominantly open Atlantic for most of the cruise phase, limiting scenic variety. The left side captures both urban drama at departure and dramatic island geology at arrival.
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, the prevailing departure direction) offers immediate views of the Thames, Docklands, and London's urban sprawl. The initial climb westward over Greater London provides recognizable city landmarks before turning southwest toward the Atlantic. Notable sights include: Thames Estuary and Docklands, Greater London urban grid, North Downs escarpment to the south.
What can I see when landing at Tenerife Sur in Tenerife?
When landing at Tenerife Sur (TFS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Runway 07 (the prevailing landing direction due to trade winds) brings aircraft in from the northeast, offering views of Tenerife's dramatic volcanic terrain. The approach descends over the island's interior and coastal features, with Mount Teide visible at altitude and the southern coast revealing beaches and resort development. Notable sights include: Mount Teide (visible at distance during descent), Tenerife's volcanic ridgelines, southern coastal resorts and beaches, Atlantic coastline.
How long is the flight from London to Tenerife?
The flight from City (LCY) to Tenerife Sur (TFS) takes 5h 15m.
What does the London to Tenerife flight path pass over?
Bay of Biscay (open Atlantic, minimal landmarks), Iberian Peninsula coast near Portugal (distant, not directly overflown on typical routing), Strait of Gibraltar region (far to the south, not on direct track), Canary Islands archipelago approach with Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura visible as the aircraft descends toward Tenerife Sur