The left side wins overall. After the initial climb from Gatwick, the route tracks southwest over the English Channel, then out over the Bay of Biscay, the Iberian Peninsula's Atlantic coast, and across the open Atlantic. The left side faces south and southeast throughout the cruise, giving occasional glimpses of the Iberian coastline and the Canary Islands in the far distance if visibility allows. On arrival, the left seat delivers the best views of Antigua's harbour-studded southern coast during descent.
Flown LGW to ANU? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Antigua is 4,079 miles (6,564 km), a flight of about 8 hours 45 minutes.
Bay of Biscay crossing, the northwestern coast of the Iberian Peninsula (Galicia and Portugal), the open North Atlantic with possible sighting of the Canary Islands far to the southeast, the Lesser Antilles island chain on approach with Guadeloupe visible to the south before Antigua
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGW
RIGHTGatwick's runway 26L/26R departure heads roughly westward before turning southwest, putting the right side facing north toward the Surrey Hills and the London skyline in the distance. The right seat gets a clear view of the North Downs and the urban sprawl of Greater London as the aircraft climbs and banks south.
Landing at ANU
LEFTV C Bird International sits on the northeastern tip of Antigua. Aircraft typically approach from the east or southeast on runway 07, meaning a left seat gives views over the island's interior, the lagoons of the west coast, and the distinctive indented coastline of English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour to the south as you descend.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gatwick (LGW) to V C Bird International (ANU)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Antigua. The left side wins overall. After the initial climb from Gatwick, the route tracks southwest over the English Channel, then out over the Bay of Biscay, the Iberian Peninsula's Atlantic coast, and across the open Atlantic. The left side faces south and southeast throughout the cruise, giving occasional glimpses of the Iberian coastline and the Canary Islands in the far distance if visibility allows. On arrival, the left seat delivers the best views of Antigua's harbour-studded southern coast during descent.
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 runway 26L/26R departure heads roughly westward before turning southwest, putting the right side facing north toward the Surrey Hills and the London skyline in the distance. The right seat gets a clear view of the North Downs and the urban sprawl of Greater London as the aircraft climbs and banks south. Notable sights include: Surrey Hills AONB, North Downs ridge, Crawley town below, M23 motorway corridor.
What can I see when landing at V C Bird International in Antigua?
When landing at V C Bird International (ANU), sit on the Left side for the best views. V C Bird International sits on the northeastern tip of Antigua. Aircraft typically approach from the east or southeast on runway 07, meaning a left seat gives views over the island's interior, the lagoons of the west coast, and the distinctive indented coastline of English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour to the south as you descend. Notable sights include: English Harbour and Nelson's Dockyard, Falmouth Harbour, the central hills of Antigua, the turquoise reef-fringed western lagoons.
How long is the flight from London to Antigua?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to V C Bird International (ANU) takes about 8 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,079 miles (6,564 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Antigua flight path pass over?
Bay of Biscay crossing, the northwestern coast of the Iberian Peninsula (Galicia and Portugal), the open North Atlantic with possible sighting of the Canary Islands far to the southeast, the Lesser Antilles island chain on approach with Guadeloupe visible to the south before Antigua