While the right offers good views during takeoff, the left side provides superior scenery during the longer descent phase and final approach into Rabat-Salé, where the Atlantic coastline, river estuary, and medina create more visually distinctive landmarks.
Flown LGW to RBA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Rabat is 1,226 miles (1,974 km), a flight of about 3 hours 5 minutes.
The flight crosses the English Channel (visible from both sides during the first 30 minutes), then passes over Normandy and Brittany in northern France. The Bay of Biscay is crossed at altitude with no major landmarks. As the aircraft approaches the Iberian Peninsula, the Portuguese coast becomes visible on the left around the 90-minute mark. The final approach descends over the Atlantic, with the Moroccan coastline appearing approximately 30 minutes before landing, revealing the transition from open ocean to the fertile plains surrounding Rabat-Salé.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGW
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Thames estuary and Kent coastline as the aircraft climbs southwestward from Gatwick. You'll see the sprawling London metropolitan area receding to the north, while the Channel approaches on the right.
Landing at RBA
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Rabat-Salé. You'll see the Atlantic coastline, the Bouregreg River estuary, and the medina of Rabat itself as you approach from the northwest over the ocean.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gatwick (LGW) to Sale (RBA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Rabat. While the right offers good views during takeoff, the left side provides superior scenery during the longer descent phase and final approach into Rabat-Salé, where the Atlantic coastline, river estuary, and medina create more visually distinctive landmarks.
What can I see during takeoff from Gatwick in London?
During takeoff from Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Thames estuary and Kent coastline as the aircraft climbs southwestward from Gatwick. You'll see the sprawling London metropolitan area receding to the north, while the Channel approaches on the right. Notable sights include: Thames estuary, Kent coastline, English Channel, London urban sprawl to the north.
What can I see when landing at Sale in Rabat?
When landing at Sale (RBA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Rabat-Salé. You'll see the Atlantic coastline, the Bouregreg River estuary, and the medina of Rabat itself as you approach from the northwest over the ocean. Notable sights include: Atlantic coastline, Bouregreg River estuary, Rabat medina and Kasbah, Sale city across the river.
How long is the flight from London to Rabat?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Sale (RBA) takes about 3 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,226 miles (1,974 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Rabat flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the English Channel (visible from both sides during the first 30 minutes), then passes over Normandy and Brittany in northern France. The Bay of Biscay is crossed at altitude with no major landmarks. As the aircraft approaches the Iberian Peninsula, the Portuguese coast becomes visible on the left around the 90-minute mark. The final approach descends over the Atlantic, with the Moroccan coastline appearing approximately 30 minutes before landing, revealing the transition from open ocean to the fertile plains surrounding Rabat-Salé.