The right side tracks the Atlantic-facing coastlines of France and Portugal for most of the flight, culminating in a scenic coastal approach into Porto with the Douro estuary and city skyline visible, while the left side offers mostly inland terrain with little variation.
Flown LGW to OPO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Porto is 794 miles (1,279 km), a flight of about 2 hours 20 minutes.
Bay of Biscay, French Atlantic coastline near Bordeaux, northern Spanish coast near Santander before turning south toward Portugal
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGW
RIGHTAfter departing Gatwick to the west and turning south, the right side faces the Channel and then the Atlantic-facing coasts of Normandy and Brittany, giving passengers a coastline to track rather than featureless inland France on the left.
Landing at OPO
RIGHTOn approach to Porto's runway 17 from the north, the right side offers views of the Atlantic coastline, the mouth of the Douro River, and the city of Porto itself as the aircraft descends along the coast before turning inland to land.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gatwick (LGW) to Porto (OPO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Porto. The right side tracks the Atlantic-facing coastlines of France and Portugal for most of the flight, culminating in a scenic coastal approach into Porto with the Douro estuary and city skyline visible, while the left side offers mostly inland terrain with little variation.
What can I see during takeoff from Gatwick in London?
During takeoff from Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Right side for the best views. After departing Gatwick to the west and turning south, the right side faces the Channel and then the Atlantic-facing coasts of Normandy and Brittany, giving passengers a coastline to track rather than featureless inland France on the left. Notable sights include: South Downs, English Channel, Cherbourg Peninsula, Brittany coastline.
What can I see when landing at Porto in Porto?
When landing at Porto (OPO), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to Porto's runway 17 from the north, the right side offers views of the Atlantic coastline, the mouth of the Douro River, and the city of Porto itself as the aircraft descends along the coast before turning inland to land. Notable sights include: Douro River estuary, Porto's historic Ribeira district, Atlantic coastline, Foz do Douro.
How long is the flight from London to Porto?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Porto (OPO) takes about 2 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 794 miles (1,279 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Porto flight path pass over?
Bay of Biscay, French Atlantic coastline near Bordeaux, northern Spanish coast near Santander before turning south toward Portugal