While takeoff offers pleasant English countryside views, the landing approach over the Faroe Islands is far more visually dramatic. The left side captures the islands' distinctive basalt mountains, deep fjords, and rugged Atlantic coastline—features that are genuinely striking and unique compared to the relatively modest terrain visible from Gatwick.
Flown LGW to FAE? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Vagar is 800 miles (1,287 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the North Sea at altitude, passing west of Scotland and the Hebrides. At cruise altitude (around 30,000 feet), passengers may glimpse the Scottish Highlands and islands (Skye, Outer Hebrides) on the left side during the first half of the flight. The second half crosses open Atlantic with no major landmarks until the Faroe Islands appear on approach. The flight typically maintains a northwesterly heading after clearing UK airspace.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGW
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Thames estuary and Kent coastline during northbound climb-out from Gatwick. The aircraft typically departs north or northeast, giving right-side passengers clear sightlines to the English Channel approaches and the Sussex Weald.
Landing at FAE
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of the Faroe Islands' dramatic terrain during final approach. Aircraft descend from the southeast toward Vagar, and left-side passengers see the steep basalt cliffs, fjords, and mountainous spine of the islands in full profile.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gatwick (LGW) to Vagar (FAE)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Vagar. While takeoff offers pleasant English countryside views, the landing approach over the Faroe Islands is far more visually dramatic. The left side captures the islands' distinctive basalt mountains, deep fjords, and rugged Atlantic coastline—features that are genuinely striking and unique compared to the relatively modest terrain visible from Gatwick.
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 Thames estuary and Kent coastline during northbound climb-out from Gatwick. The aircraft typically departs north or northeast, giving right-side passengers clear sightlines to the English Channel approaches and the Sussex Weald. Notable sights include: Thames estuary, Kent coastline, South Downs ridge, English Channel.
What can I see when landing at Vagar in Vagar?
When landing at Vagar (FAE), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Faroe Islands' dramatic terrain during final approach. Aircraft descend from the southeast toward Vagar, and left-side passengers see the steep basalt cliffs, fjords, and mountainous spine of the islands in full profile. Notable sights include: Vágar's basalt mountains, Streymoy island, Kollafjørður fjord, Atlantic Ocean.
How long is the flight from London to Vagar?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Vagar (FAE) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 800 miles (1,287 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Vagar flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Sea at altitude, passing west of Scotland and the Hebrides. At cruise altitude (around 30,000 feet), passengers may glimpse the Scottish Highlands and islands (Skye, Outer Hebrides) on the left side during the first half of the flight. The second half crosses open Atlantic with no major landmarks until the Faroe Islands appear on approach. The flight typically maintains a northwesterly heading after clearing UK airspace.