The left side wins overall. While the right side has a slight edge at Gatwick departure, the left side delivers the spectacular St. Lucia arrival with the Pitons and Castries harbour. During the flight itself, the left side also faces south toward the Bay of Biscay coastline of Spain and Portugal during the early cruise phase, and later gives better angles on the Lesser Antilles chain as you approach the Caribbean.
Flown LGW to SLU? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Castries is 4,211 miles (6,778 km), a flight of about 8 hours 45 minutes.
The route tracks southwest from London, crossing the Bay of Biscay, then over the Iberian Peninsula or its Atlantic coast depending on routing, before a long overwater crossing of the North Atlantic and into the Caribbean. The Canary Islands may be visible to the left at distance if routing goes near the African coast. The Lesser Antilles island chain — including Martinique and Dominica — appears in the final hour of flight as a string of green volcanic islands rising from the Caribbean Sea.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGW
RIGHTGatwick's runway 26L departure heads west-northwest, and a right-side seat gives you a clear view south over the Surrey Hills and the South Downs as you climb out. You'll also see the sprawl of Crawley directly below before the aircraft banks southwest toward the Atlantic.
Landing at SLU
LEFTGeorge F L Charles Airport sits on the northwest coast of St. Lucia and aircraft typically approach from the north or northeast over the Caribbean Sea, landing on runway 10 heading east. A left-side seat gives you the best view of St. Lucia's dramatic interior, including the Piton mountains rising sharply from the southern coastline as you descend along the island's western flank.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gatwick (LGW) to George F L Charles (SLU)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Castries. The left side wins overall. While the right side has a slight edge at Gatwick departure, the left side delivers the spectacular St. Lucia arrival with the Pitons and Castries harbour. During the flight itself, the left side also faces south toward the Bay of Biscay coastline of Spain and Portugal during the early cruise phase, and later gives better angles on the Lesser Antilles chain as you approach the Caribbean.
What can I see during takeoff from Gatwick in London?
During takeoff from Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Gatwick's runway 26L departure heads west-northwest, and a right-side seat gives you a clear view south over the Surrey Hills and the South Downs as you climb out. You'll also see the sprawl of Crawley directly below before the aircraft banks southwest toward the Atlantic. Notable sights include: Surrey Hills AONB, South Downs ridge, Crawley town grid, Horsham to the west.
What can I see when landing at George F L Charles in Castries?
When landing at George F L Charles (SLU), sit on the Left side for the best views. George F L Charles Airport sits on the northwest coast of St. Lucia and aircraft typically approach from the north or northeast over the Caribbean Sea, landing on runway 10 heading east. A left-side seat gives you the best view of St. Lucia's dramatic interior, including the Piton mountains rising sharply from the southern coastline as you descend along the island's western flank. Notable sights include: Gros Piton and Petit Piton volcanic peaks, Castries harbour, Morne Fortune ridge above Castries, Caribbean Sea coastline.
How long is the flight from London to Castries?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to George F L Charles (SLU) takes about 8 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,211 miles (6,778 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Castries flight path pass over?
The route tracks southwest from London, crossing the Bay of Biscay, then over the Iberian Peninsula or its Atlantic coast depending on routing, before a long overwater crossing of the North Atlantic and into the Caribbean. The Canary Islands may be visible to the left at distance if routing goes near the African coast. The Lesser Antilles island chain — including Martinique and Dominica — appears in the final hour of flight as a string of green volcanic islands rising from the Caribbean Sea.