Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Belfast. The left side misses the London views on departure but captures the Irish Sea coastline, the Mourne Mountains on the horizon as you approach Northern Ireland, and delivers the outstanding Belfast Lough and crane views on landing. The right side wins at takeoff but has less to offer for the majority of the flight and the arrival.

During takeoff from Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Gatwick's runway 26L departure heads northwest, putting the right side facing north toward central London. You get a clear view of the city skyline and the Thames snaking through it during the climb-out before turning north. Notable sights include: Central London skyline with The Shard and Canary Wharf towers, the Thames river bends through southeast London, the North Downs ridge, Wembley Stadium arch.

When landing at City (BHD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Belfast City Airport sits on the southern shore of Belfast Lough, and approaches from the east on runway 22 bring the left side directly over the lough and the city. You get a low-level view of the water, the city centre, and the Harland and Wolff cranes as you descend. Notable sights include: Belfast Lough opening to the Irish Sea, Harland and Wolff Goliath and Samson cranes in the shipyard, Belfast city centre, Cave Hill escarpment to the northwest.

The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to City (BHD) takes Approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes.

The route tracks northwest over the English Midlands, crossing the Welsh border near Shrewsbury, then over the Irish Sea. The Snowdonia massif is visible to the left in Wales. The Isle of Man may be visible in the Irish Sea depending on routing. The Mourne Mountains in County Down appear on the horizon as you approach Northern Ireland from the southeast.