About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to La Guardia (LGA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to New York. While the takeoff offers Thames and London views, the landing approach to La Guardia is far more visually dramatic. The Hudson River, Manhattan skyline, and East River provide concentrated, iconic scenery that dominates the final 30 minutes of flight. Left-side seats capture this best.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Thames estuary and the London metropolitan area during the initial climb. The aircraft departs Heathrow heading east-northeast, so right-side passengers see the river's path toward the North Sea and the sprawl of Greater London receding beneath. Notable sights include: Thames estuary, Greater London urban grid, North Downs ridge (distant), English Channel coastline (far horizon).
What can I see when landing at La Guardia in New York?
When landing at La Guardia (LGA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide the best views during approach to La Guardia. The aircraft descends from the northwest over New Jersey and the Hudson River, so left-side passengers see Manhattan's skyline, the East River, and Queens directly. The Hudson River and its relationship to the city are particularly striking during final approach. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Hudson River, East River, Queens residential areas.
How long is the flight from London to New York?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to La Guardia (LGA) takes Approximately 7 hours 15 minutes.
What does the London to New York flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Atlantic at cruising altitude (typically 35,000-37,000 feet). Notable features along the route include: the Irish coast and Celtic Sea (visible during westbound climb over the Atlantic); the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (not visible — too deep underwater); Newfoundland and the Grand Banks (visible on approach to North America); the St. Lawrence River estuary (visible if flight path passes north); and the Appalachian Mountains (visible during descent into the northeastern United States, appearing as a series of parallel ridges running northeast-southwest across Pennsylvania and New York).