Both sides are dominated by roughly eight hours of open Atlantic Ocean at cruise, but the right side edges ahead thanks to the Miami skyline and Biscayne Bay views during the descent, which are more distinctive than the departure-side scenery over England.
Flown LGW to MIA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Miami is 4,433 miles (7,134 km), a flight of about 9 hours 20 minutes.
Open North Atlantic Ocean, with the flight path passing well north of the Azores; no land is visible for the majority of cruise.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGW
LEFTDeparting LGW westbound on runway 26, the initial climb and left turn toward the south coast gives left-side passengers a brief look at the Sussex Weald and the chalk ridges of the South Downs before the coastline near Brighton slips away. Right-side passengers mostly see the dense suburban sprawl of Surrey and outer London with no strong landmarks.
Landing at MIA
RIGHTArriving into MIA from the northeast over the Bahamas and the Atlantic, aircraft landing on the easterly runways pass north of the city before final approach, giving right-side passengers a clear view of downtown Miami's skyline and Biscayne Bay. Left-side passengers instead see the flat, marshy expanse of the Everglades with little visual variety.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gatwick (LGW) to Miami International (MIA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Miami. Both sides are dominated by roughly eight hours of open Atlantic Ocean at cruise, but the right side edges ahead thanks to the Miami skyline and Biscayne Bay views during the descent, which are more distinctive than the departure-side scenery over England.
What can I see during takeoff from Gatwick in London?
During takeoff from Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing LGW westbound on runway 26, the initial climb and left turn toward the south coast gives left-side passengers a brief look at the Sussex Weald and the chalk ridges of the South Downs before the coastline near Brighton slips away. Right-side passengers mostly see the dense suburban sprawl of Surrey and outer London with no strong landmarks. Notable sights include: South Downs escarpment, Sussex countryside, English Channel coastline near Brighton.
What can I see when landing at Miami International in Miami?
When landing at Miami International (MIA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arriving into MIA from the northeast over the Bahamas and the Atlantic, aircraft landing on the easterly runways pass north of the city before final approach, giving right-side passengers a clear view of downtown Miami's skyline and Biscayne Bay. Left-side passengers instead see the flat, marshy expanse of the Everglades with little visual variety. Notable sights include: Downtown Miami skyline, Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach barrier islands, Port of Miami.
How long is the flight from London to Miami?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Miami International (MIA) takes about 9 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,433 miles (7,134 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Miami flight path pass over?
Open North Atlantic Ocean, with the flight path passing well north of the Azores; no land is visible for the majority of cruise.