The right side wins because it captures the most recognizable features of this short hop — London's skyline on departure and Brussels' outskirts with the Belgian coast on arrival — while the left side offers mostly flat, featureless farmland throughout.
Flown LHR to BRU? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Brussels is 218 miles (350 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
English Channel crossing near Dover-Calais strait, Belgian coastline near Ostend, flat agricultural plains of Flanders
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
RIGHTDeparting Heathrow to the west before turning east, the right side offers a view back over London including the Thames and the city skyline as the aircraft banks onto its eastbound track. The left side mostly shows the flat suburban sprawl of west London and the Chilterns with no strong landmarks.
Landing at BRU
RIGHTOn the approach into Brussels, the right side typically retains views of the Belgian coastline and North Sea earlier in the descent, followed by glimpses of Brussels' urban edge and canals as the aircraft turns onto final approach. The left side mostly shows the featureless flat farmland of Flanders.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Brussels Natl (BRU)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Brussels. The right side wins because it captures the most recognizable features of this short hop — London's skyline on departure and Brussels' outskirts with the Belgian coast on arrival — while the left side offers mostly flat, featureless farmland throughout.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Heathrow to the west before turning east, the right side offers a view back over London including the Thames and the city skyline as the aircraft banks onto its eastbound track. The left side mostly shows the flat suburban sprawl of west London and the Chilterns with no strong landmarks. Notable sights include: River Thames, Canary Wharf/City of London skyline, Thames Estuary.
What can I see when landing at Brussels Natl in Brussels?
When landing at Brussels Natl (BRU), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the approach into Brussels, the right side typically retains views of the Belgian coastline and North Sea earlier in the descent, followed by glimpses of Brussels' urban edge and canals as the aircraft turns onto final approach. The left side mostly shows the featureless flat farmland of Flanders. Notable sights include: Belgian North Sea coast near Ostend, Brussels-Charleroi Canal, Brussels city outskirts.
How long is the flight from London to Brussels?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Brussels Natl (BRU) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 218 miles (350 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Brussels flight path pass over?
English Channel crossing near Dover-Calais strait, Belgian coastline near Ostend, flat agricultural plains of Flanders