Right side wins at both ends of the flight. During the cruise over the Bay of Biscay and northern Iberia, the right side also picks up the Portuguese coastline and the Serra da Estrela mountains in the distance as you descend toward Lisbon, making it the consistently better side throughout.
Flight Path
Bay of Biscay crossing (broad open Atlantic, often visible wave patterns at lower altitudes), northern Spanish coast near Santander or Bilbao, the Meseta Central plateau of central Spain (flat, arid, ochre-coloured tableland), Serra da Estrela range in central Portugal visible on descent, Portuguese coastline and Atlantic beaches approaching Lisbon
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGW
RIGHTGatwick's runway 26L/08R means westbound departures typically head west then southwest. A right-side seat gives you views over the Surrey Hills and the North Downs as you climb, with the English Channel coming into view as you turn south toward the coast near Brighton.
Landing at LIS
RIGHTLisbon's runway 03/21 means arrivals from the north typically approach from the northeast over the Tagus estuary. A right-side seat gives you the best view of the Tagus River, the 25 de Abril Bridge, and central Lisbon's hills as you descend on final approach.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gatwick (LGW) to Lisboa (LIS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Lisbon. Right side wins at both ends of the flight. During the cruise over the Bay of Biscay and northern Iberia, the right side also picks up the Portuguese coastline and the Serra da Estrela mountains in the distance as you descend toward Lisbon, making it the consistently better side throughout.
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/08R means westbound departures typically head west then southwest. A right-side seat gives you views over the Surrey Hills and the North Downs as you climb, with the English Channel coming into view as you turn south toward the coast near Brighton. Notable sights include: Surrey Hills AONB, North Downs ridge, Brighton seafront and pier, English Channel coastline.
What can I see when landing at Lisboa in Lisbon?
When landing at Lisboa (LIS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Lisbon's runway 03/21 means arrivals from the north typically approach from the northeast over the Tagus estuary. A right-side seat gives you the best view of the Tagus River, the 25 de Abril Bridge, and central Lisbon's hills as you descend on final approach. Notable sights include: Rio Tejo (Tagus estuary), 25 de Abril suspension bridge, Cristo Rei statue on south bank, Lisbon city centre and its seven hills.
How long is the flight from London to Lisbon?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Lisboa (LIS) takes Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes.
What does the London to Lisbon flight path pass over?
Bay of Biscay crossing (broad open Atlantic, often visible wave patterns at lower altitudes), northern Spanish coast near Santander or Bilbao, the Meseta Central plateau of central Spain (flat, arid, ochre-coloured tableland), Serra da Estrela range in central Portugal visible on descent, Portuguese coastline and Atlantic beaches approaching Lisbon