Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Hamburg. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. Over the North Sea crossing the views are largely featureless water regardless of side, but the left seat delivers the better urban and geographic spectacle at both Gatwick departure and Hamburg arrival, making it the clear choice for the full journey.

During takeoff from Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Gatwick's main departure runway 26L sends aircraft westward before turning northeast toward Hamburg. The left side picks up the North Downs escarpment and the sprawl of Greater London to the north as the aircraft climbs and banks. You get a clear view of the Thames corridor and central London landmarks as the route curves northeast. Notable sights include: North Downs ridge, Thames river corridor, Greater London urban sprawl, Crawley town below.

When landing at Hamburg (HAM), sit on the Left side for the best views. Hamburg Airport typically uses runway 23 for westerly approaches, meaning aircraft arrive from the northeast over the city. The left side gives views over the Alster lakes, Hamburg's inner city, and the Elbe river as the aircraft descends. The port and HafenCity waterfront are clearly visible on the left during final approach. Notable sights include: Alster lakes (Binnenalster and Aussenalster), Hamburg port and container terminals, Elbe river, HafenCity district.

The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Hamburg (HAM) takes Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes.

The route crosses the Thames Estuary shortly after departure, then tracks northeast over East Anglia's flat agricultural landscape before crossing the southern North Sea. The Dutch and German Frisian Islands — Texel, Vlieland, and the West Frisian chain — may be visible as low sandy strips in the sea below. The route then crosses the flat North German Plain, with the Elbe and Weser river systems visible as broad meandering rivers cutting through agricultural lowland before Hamburg comes into view.