Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Madrid. While the takeoff offers coastal scenery, the landing approach provides more dramatic and sustained views of significant geographical features—the Sierra de Guadarrama and the approach to Madrid itself. Left-side seats capture the most visually interesting portion of the flight.

During takeoff from Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the English Channel and the Sussex coastline during the initial climb-out from Gatwick. The aircraft typically departs southbound before turning southeast toward Spain, giving right-side passengers a clear view of the coast and open water. Notable sights include: English Channel, Sussex coastline near Brighton, Isle of Wight (visible in distance), South Downs ridge.

When landing at Barajas (MAD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Madrid. The aircraft approaches from the northwest, and left-side passengers see the Spanish meseta (high plateau) terrain, the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains to the north, and the sprawl of Madrid itself as it descends toward Barajas. Notable sights include: Sierra de Guadarrama mountains, Madrid city sprawl, Tagus River valley, Spanish meseta plateau.

The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Barajas (MAD) takes Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.

English Channel, Normandy coast, Loire Valley region of France, Massif Central plateau, Pyrenees mountains (visible on clear days as a distant ridge to the south), transition from French agricultural landscape to Spanish meseta