The right side offers a more varied and dramatic sequence overall: a coastal departure, glimpses of the Alps to the south along the cruise track over northern Italy, and a stunning island-studded Aegean approach into Kos, compared to the flatter, less distinctive northern views on the left.
Flight Path
Southern French Alps foothills, northern Italian plain near Milan/Venice, Adriatic Sea crossing toward Albania and mainland Greece
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGW
RIGHTDeparting Gatwick to the west before turning southeast, the right side gives passengers a view over the South Downs and the Sussex/Kent coastline as the aircraft climbs toward the Channel, while the left side shows mostly the flat suburban sprawl of the Thames Valley and Surrey.
Landing at KGS
RIGHTOn the approach into Kos, the flight path crosses the southern Aegean, giving passengers on the right side sweeping views of Dodecanese islands and the nearby Turkish coastline before the turn onto final approach over Kos town's harbor.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gatwick (LGW) to Kos (KGS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Kos. The right side offers a more varied and dramatic sequence overall: a coastal departure, glimpses of the Alps to the south along the cruise track over northern Italy, and a stunning island-studded Aegean approach into Kos, compared to the flatter, less distinctive northern views on the left.
What can I see during takeoff from Gatwick in London?
During takeoff from Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Gatwick to the west before turning southeast, the right side gives passengers a view over the South Downs and the Sussex/Kent coastline as the aircraft climbs toward the Channel, while the left side shows mostly the flat suburban sprawl of the Thames Valley and Surrey. Notable sights include: South Downs, English Channel coastline, Surrey/Sussex countryside.
What can I see when landing at Kos in Kos?
When landing at Kos (KGS), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the approach into Kos, the flight path crosses the southern Aegean, giving passengers on the right side sweeping views of Dodecanese islands and the nearby Turkish coastline before the turn onto final approach over Kos town's harbor. Notable sights include: Aegean island chains (Kalymnos, Nisyros), Turkish coast, Kos town harbor and castle.
How long is the flight from London to Kos?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Kos (KGS) takes 3h 25m.
What does the London to Kos flight path pass over?
Southern French Alps foothills, northern Italian plain near Milan/Venice, Adriatic Sea crossing toward Albania and mainland Greece