While takeoff offers pleasant English countryside views, the landing approach into Bolzano provides far more dramatic and distinctive scenery. The Dolomites' jagged limestone peaks are visually striking and unique, making the left side the better choice for the overall journey.
Flown LGW to BZO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Bolzano is 615 miles (990 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the English Channel, then proceeds over northern France (Seine valley visible near Paris region if on northern routing), continues over the Jura Mountains on the France-Switzerland border, then follows the Alpine foothills into the Adige Valley. Notable midpoint landmarks include the Jura range, Lake Geneva (if visible on routing), and the transition from Alpine foothills to the dramatic Dolomites limestone formations as you approach Bolzano from the north.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGW
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the North Downs and the Weald as the aircraft climbs southeastward from Gatwick. You'll see the patchwork of Surrey and Sussex farmland, with the South Downs ridge visible in the distance.
Landing at BZO
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Bolzano. You'll see the dramatic Dolomites peaks rising steeply, particularly the distinctive jagged formations around the Adige Valley where the airport sits.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gatwick (LGW) to Bolzano (BZO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Bolzano. While takeoff offers pleasant English countryside views, the landing approach into Bolzano provides far more dramatic and distinctive scenery. The Dolomites' jagged limestone peaks are visually striking and unique, making the left side the better choice for the overall journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Gatwick in London?
During takeoff from Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the North Downs and the Weald as the aircraft climbs southeastward from Gatwick. You'll see the patchwork of Surrey and Sussex farmland, with the South Downs ridge visible in the distance. Notable sights include: North Downs ridge, Weald agricultural plains, South Downs escarpment, English Channel coastline (distant).
What can I see when landing at Bolzano in Bolzano?
When landing at Bolzano (BZO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Bolzano. You'll see the dramatic Dolomites peaks rising steeply, particularly the distinctive jagged formations around the Adige Valley where the airport sits. Notable sights include: Dolomites mountain range (Tre Cime di Lavaredo region), Adige River valley, Alpine foothills, Bolzano basin.
How long is the flight from London to Bolzano?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Bolzano (BZO) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 615 miles (990 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Bolzano flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the English Channel, then proceeds over northern France (Seine valley visible near Paris region if on northern routing), continues over the Jura Mountains on the France-Switzerland border, then follows the Alpine foothills into the Adige Valley. Notable midpoint landmarks include the Jura range, Lake Geneva (if visible on routing), and the transition from Alpine foothills to the dramatic Dolomites limestone formations as you approach Bolzano from the north.