About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gatwick (LGW) to Cancun International (CUN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Cancun. The left side wins overall. While the right side has a slight edge at Gatwick departure, the left side delivers the spectacular Cancun arrival over the Caribbean, and during the mid-Atlantic crossing the left side faces south toward the Azores and eventually gives better angles on the Gulf of Mexico coastline. The Cancun approach alone makes left the clear winner.
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 departure heads westward, and the right side gives you a clear view south over the Surrey Hills and the South Downs as you climb. You'll see the patchwork of the Weald countryside and the urban sprawl of Crawley falling away beneath you. Notable sights include: Crawley town centre directly below, the Surrey Hills AONB to the north, the South Downs ridge to the south, Horsham town visible to the southwest.
What can I see when landing at Cancun International in Cancun?
When landing at Cancun International (CUN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Cancun airport typically uses runway 12R/30L, with arrivals often coming in from the northeast over the Caribbean. On the left side you get a stunning view of the turquoise shallow waters of the Caribbean Sea and the barrier reef system, plus the Hotel Zone strip on Isla Cancun. The right side faces inland over flat scrubby jungle. Notable sights include: Cancun Hotel Zone barrier island strip, turquoise Caribbean Sea and Nichupte Lagoon, Isla Mujeres visible offshore to the northeast, the Yucatan coastal reef system.
How long is the flight from London to Cancun?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Cancun International (CUN) takes Approximately 10 to 11 hours.
What does the London to Cancun flight path pass over?
The route tracks southwest over southern England, then crosses the Bay of Biscay and the northern tip of Spain or Portugal, before heading out over the North Atlantic. The Azores archipelago may be visible in the far distance to the south. The flight then crosses the mid-Atlantic, descending toward the Caribbean, passing north of Cuba and the Yucatan Channel before the final approach over the Caribbean Sea into Cancun.