Most of the route crosses France, the Bay of Biscay, and open Atlantic with little to distinguish either side, but the final approach into Lanzarote delivers a genuinely dramatic volcanic landscape on the left that outweighs the modest coastal glimpse the right side gets at takeoff.
Flown LGW to ACE? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Lanzerote is 1,684 miles (2,710 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The route crosses the Bay of Biscay, clips northern Spain, and passes near the Portuguese coast around Lisbon before heading out over open Atlantic water toward the Canary Islands.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGW
RIGHTGatwick's departures typically use runway 26, climbing west before banking left to head south toward the Channel. That turn puts the South Downs ridge and the Sussex coast near Brighton in view on the right side just before the coastline slips behind, while the left side mostly sees Surrey and Sussex farmland fading away.
Landing at ACE
LEFTLanzarote's prevailing approach to runway 03 tracks up from the southwest, aligning with the island's northeast-facing runway near Arrecife. This puts the dark volcanic cones and lava fields of Timanfaya National Park and the jagged Los Ajaches ridge on the left, while the right side faces open Atlantic water with only Fuerteventura's outline far off.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gatwick (LGW) to Lanzarote (ACE)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Lanzerote. Most of the route crosses France, the Bay of Biscay, and open Atlantic with little to distinguish either side, but the final approach into Lanzarote delivers a genuinely dramatic volcanic landscape on the left that outweighs the modest coastal glimpse the right side gets at takeoff.
What can I see during takeoff from Gatwick in London?
During takeoff from Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Gatwick's departures typically use runway 26, climbing west before banking left to head south toward the Channel. That turn puts the South Downs ridge and the Sussex coast near Brighton in view on the right side just before the coastline slips behind, while the left side mostly sees Surrey and Sussex farmland fading away. Notable sights include: South Downs ridge, Brighton and the Sussex coastline, English Channel, Weald countryside.
What can I see when landing at Lanzarote in Lanzerote?
When landing at Lanzarote (ACE), sit on the Left side for the best views. Lanzarote's prevailing approach to runway 03 tracks up from the southwest, aligning with the island's northeast-facing runway near Arrecife. This puts the dark volcanic cones and lava fields of Timanfaya National Park and the jagged Los Ajaches ridge on the left, while the right side faces open Atlantic water with only Fuerteventura's outline far off. Notable sights include: Timanfaya National Park volcanic cones, Los Ajaches mountain ridge, black lava fields, Atlantic coastline near Playa Blanca.
How long is the flight from London to Lanzerote?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Lanzarote (ACE) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,684 miles (2,710 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Lanzerote flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Bay of Biscay, clips northern Spain, and passes near the Portuguese coast around Lisbon before heading out over open Atlantic water toward the Canary Islands.