While the takeoff briefly favors the left with the Sussex coastline, the right side wins overall thanks to glimpses of the Portuguese coast during cruise and the dramatic volcanic terrain of Gran Canaria visible during the final approach, which outweighs the otherwise ocean-dominated route.
Flown LGW to LPA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Gran Canaria is 1,789 miles (2,879 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
Bay of Biscay, the Portuguese coastline near Lisbon, and the open Atlantic Ocean before reaching the Canary Islands
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGW
LEFTGatwick departures heading south typically cross the Sussex countryside toward the coast, giving left-side passengers a brief look at the South Downs and the chalk cliffs near Eastbourne and the Seven Sisters before heading out over the Channel. The right side mostly shows flatter Surrey and Hampshire farmland with no distinctive features.
Landing at LPA
RIGHTLanding on runway 03 at Gran Canaria typically requires the aircraft to approach from the south, giving right-side passengers a sweeping view of the island's volcanic interior, including the rugged central peaks around Roque Nublo, before the final turn onto the runway near the coast. The left side mainly faces open Atlantic water during this phase.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gatwick (LGW) to Gran Canaria (LPA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Gran Canaria. While the takeoff briefly favors the left with the Sussex coastline, the right side wins overall thanks to glimpses of the Portuguese coast during cruise and the dramatic volcanic terrain of Gran Canaria visible during the final approach, which outweighs the otherwise ocean-dominated route.
What can I see during takeoff from Gatwick in London?
During takeoff from Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Gatwick departures heading south typically cross the Sussex countryside toward the coast, giving left-side passengers a brief look at the South Downs and the chalk cliffs near Eastbourne and the Seven Sisters before heading out over the Channel. The right side mostly shows flatter Surrey and Hampshire farmland with no distinctive features. Notable sights include: South Downs, Seven Sisters chalk cliffs, Eastbourne coastline, English Channel.
What can I see when landing at Gran Canaria in Gran Canaria?
When landing at Gran Canaria (LPA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Landing on runway 03 at Gran Canaria typically requires the aircraft to approach from the south, giving right-side passengers a sweeping view of the island's volcanic interior, including the rugged central peaks around Roque Nublo, before the final turn onto the runway near the coast. The left side mainly faces open Atlantic water during this phase. Notable sights include: Roque Nublo and central volcanic peaks, Maspalomas dunes, Las Palmas coastline, Atlantic Ocean.
How long is the flight from London to Gran Canaria?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Gran Canaria (LPA) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,789 miles (2,879 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Gran Canaria flight path pass over?
Bay of Biscay, the Portuguese coastline near Lisbon, and the open Atlantic Ocean before reaching the Canary Islands