While landing views on the left are spectacular, the right side captures more of the outbound journey's scenic value—the Downs and Hills during departure, plus views of the Rhine valley and Vosges during the cruise phase over France. The landing approach on the left is dramatic but brief.
Flown LGW to SZG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Salzburg is 635 miles (1,022 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses southern England (Weald, North Downs), the English Channel near the Strait of Dover, then proceeds over northern France. Notable midpoint features include the Seine River valley near Paris (visible to the south of the direct track), the Champagne region's rolling terrain, the Vosges Mountains along the France-Germany border (appearing as a low ridge on the eastern horizon during cruise), and the Rhine valley near Strasbourg. As the aircraft turns southeast toward Salzburg, the Black Forest (Schwarzwald) becomes visible to the east, followed by the Bavarian plateau and finally the dramatic approach to the Northern Limestone Alps from the north.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGW
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the North Downs and Surrey Hills as the aircraft climbs southeastward from Gatwick. The terrain rises noticeably to the south, creating clear topographic definition against the relatively flat Weald to the north.
Landing at SZG
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views of the Northern Limestone Alps and Salzburg basin during descent. The dramatic north face of the Alps becomes increasingly prominent as the aircraft descends from the north, with the Salzach River valley clearly visible leading directly toward the airport.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gatwick (LGW) to Salzburg (SZG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Salzburg. While landing views on the left are spectacular, the right side captures more of the outbound journey's scenic value—the Downs and Hills during departure, plus views of the Rhine valley and Vosges during the cruise phase over France. The landing approach on the left is dramatic but brief.
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 Surrey Hills as the aircraft climbs southeastward from Gatwick. The terrain rises noticeably to the south, creating clear topographic definition against the relatively flat Weald to the north. Notable sights include: North Downs ridge, Surrey Hills, Weald plain, English Channel (distant southern horizon).
What can I see when landing at Salzburg in Salzburg?
When landing at Salzburg (SZG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views of the Northern Limestone Alps and Salzburg basin during descent. The dramatic north face of the Alps becomes increasingly prominent as the aircraft descends from the north, with the Salzach River valley clearly visible leading directly toward the airport. Notable sights include: Northern Limestone Alps (Tennengebirge and Hagengebirge), Salzach River valley, Salzburg city and surrounding plain, Untersberg massif.
How long is the flight from London to Salzburg?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Salzburg (SZG) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 635 miles (1,022 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Salzburg flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses southern England (Weald, North Downs), the English Channel near the Strait of Dover, then proceeds over northern France. Notable midpoint features include the Seine River valley near Paris (visible to the south of the direct track), the Champagne region's rolling terrain, the Vosges Mountains along the France-Germany border (appearing as a low ridge on the eastern horizon during cruise), and the Rhine valley near Strasbourg. As the aircraft turns southeast toward Salzburg, the Black Forest (Schwarzwald) becomes visible to the east, followed by the Bavarian plateau and finally the dramatic approach to the Northern Limestone Alps from the north.