The right side offers the more consistently scenic experience: a glimpse of London near departure, and on the approach, the dramatic mountainous terrain of Crete and its coastline, while the left side spends more time over featureless cloud or open Mediterranean water.
Flown LHR to HER? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Heraklion is 1,687 miles (2,715 km), a flight of about 3 hours 50 minutes.
The flight path crosses the French countryside, the western Alps near the Franco-Italian border, the Tyrrhenian Sea past Sardinia, and the Ionian Sea before reaching Crete.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
RIGHTHeathrow departures to the southeast typically bank south shortly after takeoff, giving right-side passengers a brief view of the Thames, Windsor Castle area, and the southwest London suburbs before the climb levels off into cloud or haze.
Landing at HER
RIGHTOn approach to Heraklion, aircraft commonly track in from the east and turn to land on runway 27, putting the mountainous spine of Crete—dominated by Mount Psiloritis—on the right side, along with glimpses of the rugged southern coastline before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Nikos Kazantzakis (HER)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Heraklion. The right side offers the more consistently scenic experience: a glimpse of London near departure, and on the approach, the dramatic mountainous terrain of Crete and its coastline, while the left side spends more time over featureless cloud or open Mediterranean water.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Heathrow departures to the southeast typically bank south shortly after takeoff, giving right-side passengers a brief view of the Thames, Windsor Castle area, and the southwest London suburbs before the climb levels off into cloud or haze. Notable sights include: River Thames loops, Windsor Castle area, London's southwestern suburbs.
What can I see when landing at Nikos Kazantzakis in Heraklion?
When landing at Nikos Kazantzakis (HER), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to Heraklion, aircraft commonly track in from the east and turn to land on runway 27, putting the mountainous spine of Crete—dominated by Mount Psiloritis—on the right side, along with glimpses of the rugged southern coastline before touchdown. Notable sights include: Mount Psiloritis (Ida), Cretan north coast, Heraklion city and harbor.
How long is the flight from London to Heraklion?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Nikos Kazantzakis (HER) takes about 3 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,687 miles (2,715 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Heraklion flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the French countryside, the western Alps near the Franco-Italian border, the Tyrrhenian Sea past Sardinia, and the Ionian Sea before reaching Crete.