The right side captures the London skyline on departure, likely glimpses of the Alps and Adriatic coastline during cruise, and the dramatic caldera approach into Santorini on arrival, giving it more consistent visual interest across all three flight phases than the left, which mostly faces open sea and less distinctive terrain.
Flown LGW to JTR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Santorini is 1,622 miles (2,610 km), a flight of about 3 hours 40 minutes.
Western Alps foothills near the France-Switzerland-Italy border, the Po Valley, the Adriatic Sea, and the Ionian islands off Greece's western coast
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGW
RIGHTAfter departing runway 26 to the west, aircraft on the London–Athens/Santorini corridor bank left (south) to pick up their southeasterly heading, giving right-side passengers a sweeping view back over the London skyline and the Thames basin before the climb continues over the Sussex countryside toward the Channel.
Landing at JTR
RIGHTLanding on runway 33 during Meltemi season, aircraft approach from the south over open water, then bank into the final turn — right-side passengers get the classic view of the Santorini caldera, the cliffside towns of Fira and Oia, and the volcanic islet of Nea Kameni before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gatwick (LGW) to Santorini (JTR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Santorini. The right side captures the London skyline on departure, likely glimpses of the Alps and Adriatic coastline during cruise, and the dramatic caldera approach into Santorini on arrival, giving it more consistent visual interest across all three flight phases than the left, which mostly faces open sea and less distinctive terrain.
What can I see during takeoff from Gatwick in London?
During takeoff from Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Right side for the best views. After departing runway 26 to the west, aircraft on the London–Athens/Santorini corridor bank left (south) to pick up their southeasterly heading, giving right-side passengers a sweeping view back over the London skyline and the Thames basin before the climb continues over the Sussex countryside toward the Channel. Notable sights include: London skyline (The Shard, City towers), the Thames, the North Downs, English Channel coastline near Brighton.
What can I see when landing at Santorini in Santorini?
When landing at Santorini (JTR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Landing on runway 33 during Meltemi season, aircraft approach from the south over open water, then bank into the final turn — right-side passengers get the classic view of the Santorini caldera, the cliffside towns of Fira and Oia, and the volcanic islet of Nea Kameni before touchdown. Notable sights include: Santorini caldera, Nea Kameni volcanic islet, Fira and Oia cliffside towns, the Aegean Sea.
How long is the flight from London to Santorini?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Santorini (JTR) takes about 3 hours 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,622 miles (2,610 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Santorini flight path pass over?
Western Alps foothills near the France-Switzerland-Italy border, the Po Valley, the Adriatic Sea, and the Ionian islands off Greece's western coast