The right side wins overall because the cruise phase dominates the flight: the great-circle path passes just east of Mont Blanc and the Alps, then tracks down the Italian Riviera and Tuscan coast past Genoa, Elba, and Rome, all of which sit slightly to the right of the flight path. This sustained mountain-and-coastline scenery outweighs the single (but excellent) left-side Vesuvius view on final approach.
Flown LGW to NAP? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Naples is 989 miles (1,592 km), a flight of about 2 hours 35 minutes.
Mont Blanc and the western Alps near the France-Switzerland-Italy border, the Po Valley, the Ligurian coast near Genoa, the Tuscan coastline and Elba island, and the Rome area before the descent toward the Bay of Naples
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGW
RIGHTGatwick's westerly departure (runway 26) puts London off to the north before the aircraft banks south toward the coast, giving right-side passengers a brief but genuine glimpse of the London skyline and the Thames valley. Left side at this point only shows the flat Surrey/Sussex countryside.
Landing at NAP
LEFTArriving from the north, aircraft using Naples' runway 24 turn onto final approach with Mount Vesuvius sitting off the left side of the fuselage, offering a dramatic close view of the volcano and the Bay of Naples just before touchdown. The right side faces the city's western suburbs and Pozzuoli, which is far less striking.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gatwick (LGW) to Capodichino (NAP)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Naples. The right side wins overall because the cruise phase dominates the flight: the great-circle path passes just east of Mont Blanc and the Alps, then tracks down the Italian Riviera and Tuscan coast past Genoa, Elba, and Rome, all of which sit slightly to the right of the flight path. This sustained mountain-and-coastline scenery outweighs the single (but excellent) left-side Vesuvius view on final approach.
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 westerly departure (runway 26) puts London off to the north before the aircraft banks south toward the coast, giving right-side passengers a brief but genuine glimpse of the London skyline and the Thames valley. Left side at this point only shows the flat Surrey/Sussex countryside. Notable sights include: London skyline and Thames (distant), Surrey countryside, initial climb-out over Crawley.
What can I see when landing at Capodichino in Naples?
When landing at Capodichino (NAP), sit on the Left side for the best views. Arriving from the north, aircraft using Naples' runway 24 turn onto final approach with Mount Vesuvius sitting off the left side of the fuselage, offering a dramatic close view of the volcano and the Bay of Naples just before touchdown. The right side faces the city's western suburbs and Pozzuoli, which is far less striking. Notable sights include: Mount Vesuvius, Bay of Naples, city of Naples, Sorrento peninsula in the distance.
How long is the flight from London to Naples?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Capodichino (NAP) takes about 2 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 989 miles (1,592 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Naples flight path pass over?
Mont Blanc and the western Alps near the France-Switzerland-Italy border, the Po Valley, the Ligurian coast near Genoa, the Tuscan coastline and Elba island, and the Rome area before the descent toward the Bay of Naples