The right side offers the better bookends of the flight—London's skyline on departure and a vivid Caribbean coastal approach into Punta Cana—while both sides share the same featureless mid-Atlantic cruise.
Flown LGW to PUJ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Punta Cana is 4,286 miles (6,897 km), a flight of about 9 hours 15 minutes.
Open Atlantic Ocean for most of the cruise, with no significant landmasses until the Bahamas or northern Caribbean islands come into view on descent.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGW
RIGHTAs the aircraft climbs out from Gatwick on runway 26 and banks onto its southwesterly track toward the Atlantic, the right side briefly reveals London's skyline and the Thames basin to the north before the route curves away from land. The left side only catches the South Downs and a glimpse of the Sussex coast before clouds and open water dominate.
Landing at PUJ
RIGHTArriving from the Atlantic, aircraft into PUJ typically overfly the coast before turning back to land eastward into the trade winds, and this turn puts the turquoise shallows, coral reefs, and resort-lined beaches of Punta Cana and Bavaro on the right side. The left side mostly shows the flatter, forested interior of the Dominican Republic with fewer standout features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gatwick (LGW) to Punta Cana International (PUJ)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Punta Cana. The right side offers the better bookends of the flight—London's skyline on departure and a vivid Caribbean coastal approach into Punta Cana—while both sides share the same featureless mid-Atlantic cruise.
What can I see during takeoff from Gatwick in London?
During takeoff from Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Right side for the best views. As the aircraft climbs out from Gatwick on runway 26 and banks onto its southwesterly track toward the Atlantic, the right side briefly reveals London's skyline and the Thames basin to the north before the route curves away from land. The left side only catches the South Downs and a glimpse of the Sussex coast before clouds and open water dominate. Notable sights include: London skyline and Thames Estuary, South Downs (left), English Channel coastline near Brighton.
What can I see when landing at Punta Cana International in Punta Cana?
When landing at Punta Cana International (PUJ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arriving from the Atlantic, aircraft into PUJ typically overfly the coast before turning back to land eastward into the trade winds, and this turn puts the turquoise shallows, coral reefs, and resort-lined beaches of Punta Cana and Bavaro on the right side. The left side mostly shows the flatter, forested interior of the Dominican Republic with fewer standout features. Notable sights include: Punta Cana and Bavaro beaches, coral reef lines, Caribbean turquoise shallows, coastal resort clusters.
How long is the flight from London to Punta Cana?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Punta Cana International (PUJ) takes about 9 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,286 miles (6,897 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Punta Cana flight path pass over?
Open Atlantic Ocean for most of the cruise, with no significant landmasses until the Bahamas or northern Caribbean islands come into view on descent.