Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery: the English countryside and coastline during departure, followed by extended views of the Balkans, Greece, and the Aegean during cruise. Left seats offer strong landing views but miss the scenic midpoint of the journey.
Flown LGW to SAW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Pendik, Istanbul is 1,568 miles (2,523 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
Alps (distant peaks on northern horizon during cruise over France/Switzerland), Adriatic Sea coastline near Croatia, Balkans mountain ranges, Greek mainland and islands, Aegean Sea, and the approach to the Turkish coast with the Sea of Marmara visible before descent into Istanbul
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGW
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the North Downs and the Weald as the aircraft climbs southeastward from Gatwick. You'll see the distinctive chalk escarpment and patchwork farmland that characterize southeast England during the initial climb.
Landing at SAW
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen. You'll see the Marmara Sea, the Asian coastline, and the distinctive geography of the Pendik peninsula as the aircraft approaches from the northwest.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gatwick (LGW) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Pendik, Istanbul. Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery: the English countryside and coastline during departure, followed by extended views of the Balkans, Greece, and the Aegean during cruise. Left seats offer strong landing views but miss the scenic midpoint of the journey.
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 North Downs and the Weald as the aircraft climbs southeastward from Gatwick. You'll see the distinctive chalk escarpment and patchwork farmland that characterize southeast England during the initial climb. Notable sights include: North Downs (chalk ridge), Weald (forested lowlands), English Channel coastline near Brighton, South Coast towns.
What can I see when landing at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport in Pendik, Istanbul?
When landing at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen. You'll see the Marmara Sea, the Asian coastline, and the distinctive geography of the Pendik peninsula as the aircraft approaches from the northwest. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara (bright blue water), Bosphorus strait (narrow waterway to the north), Asian Istanbul coastline with urban sprawl, Pendik peninsula and airport approach.
How long is the flight from London to Pendik, Istanbul?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,568 miles (2,523 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Pendik, Istanbul flight path pass over?
Alps (distant peaks on northern horizon during cruise over France/Switzerland), Adriatic Sea coastline near Croatia, Balkans mountain ranges, Greek mainland and islands, Aegean Sea, and the approach to the Turkish coast with the Sea of Marmara visible before descent into Istanbul