The left side misses the best of the London departure but wins decisively on the approach into Innsbruck, where the Nordkette provides one of the most dramatic mountain approaches in European aviation. Across the cruise, the left side also picks up better views of the Alps as the route crosses Switzerland and western Austria.
Flight Path
The route crosses the English Channel near Calais, then tracks southeast over Belgium and Luxembourg. Over eastern France and Switzerland the Alps begin to appear — the Bernese Oberland and then the central Swiss Alps are visible below. The flight descends into Austria over the Arlberg region before threading into the Inn Valley for the Innsbruck approach.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
RIGHTHeathrow departures heading east use runways 09L/09R, and climbing out to the right (south side) gives you views over central London — the Thames, the City, and Canary Wharf are clearly visible as the aircraft turns southeast. The left side faces north toward the suburbs with far less to see.
Landing at INN
LEFTInnsbruck's runway 08 approach from the west means the aircraft descends through the Inn Valley with the Nordkette mountain range directly on the left (north) side — a dramatic wall of rock rising to over 2,300 metres just kilometres from the runway. The right side faces south toward the Patscherkofel and Tuxer Alps but the Nordkette is the more visually striking and closer feature.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Innsbruck (INN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Innsbruck. The left side misses the best of the London departure but wins decisively on the approach into Innsbruck, where the Nordkette provides one of the most dramatic mountain approaches in European aviation. Across the cruise, the left side also picks up better views of the Alps as the route crosses Switzerland and western Austria.
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 heading east use runways 09L/09R, and climbing out to the right (south side) gives you views over central London — the Thames, the City, and Canary Wharf are clearly visible as the aircraft turns southeast. The left side faces north toward the suburbs with far less to see. Notable sights include: River Thames snaking through central London, Canary Wharf tower cluster, The City of London skyline, Windsor Castle and Windsor Great Park to the southwest during initial climb.
What can I see when landing at Innsbruck in Innsbruck?
When landing at Innsbruck (INN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Innsbruck's runway 08 approach from the west means the aircraft descends through the Inn Valley with the Nordkette mountain range directly on the left (north) side — a dramatic wall of rock rising to over 2,300 metres just kilometres from the runway. The right side faces south toward the Patscherkofel and Tuxer Alps but the Nordkette is the more visually striking and closer feature. Notable sights include: Nordkette/Karwendel massif directly north of Innsbruck, Inn River valley floor, Innsbruck city centre and the old town, Patscherkofel peak to the south.
How long is the flight from London to Innsbruck?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Innsbruck (INN) takes Approximately 2 hours.
What does the London to Innsbruck flight path pass over?
The route crosses the English Channel near Calais, then tracks southeast over Belgium and Luxembourg. Over eastern France and Switzerland the Alps begin to appear — the Bernese Oberland and then the central Swiss Alps are visible below. The flight descends into Austria over the Arlberg region before threading into the Inn Valley for the Innsbruck approach.