London to Santiago is 689 miles (1,108 km), a flight of about 2 hours 5 minutes.
Right side scores higher due to superior landing scenery: the Galician coast and Ría de Arousa estuary provide dramatic, visually distinctive features absent on the left. Takeoff is also stronger on the right (Channel and Kent coast vs. inland Surrey). The cruise phase over the Bay of Biscay and French/Spanish interior is comparable on both sides, but the landing experience tips the balance decisively to the right.
Flight Path
Bay of Biscay (open ocean, 2-3 hours of flight), Loire Valley and Massif Central (central France, rolling terrain and river valleys), Pyrenees foothills (northern Spain, visible as a distant ridge during descent into Galicia), Galician interior (granite hills and agricultural land)
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGW
RIGHTRight side captures the Thames estuary, Kent coastline, and the English Channel during initial climb. Left side shows the Weald of Surrey and Sussex — rolling but unremarkable terrain with no dramatic features.
Landing at SCQ
RIGHTRight side offers the approach over the Galician coast and Ría de Arousa estuary, with dramatic granite headlands and the Atlantic coastline visible during descent. Left side shows inland Galician hills and farmland — scenic but less distinctive than coastal features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gatwick (LGW) to Santiago (SCQ)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Santiago. Right side scores higher due to superior landing scenery: the Galician coast and Ría de Arousa estuary provide dramatic, visually distinctive features absent on the left. Takeoff is also stronger on the right (Channel and Kent coast vs. inland Surrey). The cruise phase over the Bay of Biscay and French/Spanish interior is comparable on both sides, but the landing experience tips the balance decisively to the right.
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 captures the Thames estuary, Kent coastline, and the English Channel during initial climb. Left side shows the Weald of Surrey and Sussex — rolling but unremarkable terrain with no dramatic features. Notable sights include: Thames estuary and marshlands, Kent coastline, English Channel opening to the south.
What can I see when landing at Santiago in Santiago?
When landing at Santiago (SCQ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers the approach over the Galician coast and Ría de Arousa estuary, with dramatic granite headlands and the Atlantic coastline visible during descent. Left side shows inland Galician hills and farmland — scenic but less distinctive than coastal features. Notable sights include: Ría de Arousa estuary, Galician granite coastline, Atlantic Ocean, Santiago de Compostela city and surrounding hills.
How long is the flight from London to Santiago?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Santiago (SCQ) takes about 2 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 689 miles (1,108 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Santiago flight path pass over?
Bay of Biscay (open ocean, 2-3 hours of flight), Loire Valley and Massif Central (central France, rolling terrain and river valleys), Pyrenees foothills (northern Spain, visible as a distant ridge during descent into Galicia), Galician interior (granite hills and agricultural land)