The left side misses the best of the Heathrow departure but wins decisively on landing with views of Gran Canaria's spectacular volcanic interior including Roque Nublo and the Tejeda caldera. During the cruise the left side also gets slightly better angles on the Portuguese coast and the approach to the Canaries archipelago from the northeast.
Flown LHR to LPA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Gran Canaria is 1,802 miles (2,899 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The route tracks southwest over the Bay of Biscay, crossing the northern Spanish coast near Galicia, then down the Portuguese coast with the Tagus estuary and Lisbon visible on the left side at cruise altitude. The flight then crosses open Atlantic before the Canary Islands appear, with Lanzarote and Fuerteventura visible to the east before Gran Canaria comes into view.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
RIGHTHeathrow departures heading southwest on runway 27L/27R give the right side a clear view over Windsor Castle and the Thames valley. As the aircraft turns south, the right side tracks over the Surrey Hills and the sprawl of southwest London.
Landing at LPA
LEFTGran Canaria Airport sits on the southeast coast. Arrivals typically approach from the northeast on runway 03R or from the south on runway 21L. A northeast approach puts the left side over the dramatic interior caldera and Roque Nublo, while the right side sees open Atlantic. On a southerly approach the left side still captures the rugged central highlands.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Gran Canaria (LPA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Gran Canaria. The left side misses the best of the Heathrow departure but wins decisively on landing with views of Gran Canaria's spectacular volcanic interior including Roque Nublo and the Tejeda caldera. During the cruise the left side also gets slightly better angles on the Portuguese coast and the approach to the Canaries archipelago from the northeast.
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 southwest on runway 27L/27R give the right side a clear view over Windsor Castle and the Thames valley. As the aircraft turns south, the right side tracks over the Surrey Hills and the sprawl of southwest London. Notable sights include: Windsor Castle and Windsor Great Park, the Thames river bending through Richmond and Twickenham, the Surrey Hills escarpment, Wembley Stadium visible to the north before the turn.
What can I see when landing at Gran Canaria in Gran Canaria?
When landing at Gran Canaria (LPA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Gran Canaria Airport sits on the southeast coast. Arrivals typically approach from the northeast on runway 03R or from the south on runway 21L. A northeast approach puts the left side over the dramatic interior caldera and Roque Nublo, while the right side sees open Atlantic. On a southerly approach the left side still captures the rugged central highlands. Notable sights include: Roque Nublo volcanic monolith in the central highlands, the Tejeda caldera and its eroded ridgelines, Las Palmas city and its harbor on the northeast coast, the pale sand dunes of Maspalomas at the southern tip.
How long is the flight from London to Gran Canaria?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Gran Canaria (LPA) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,802 miles (2,899 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Gran Canaria flight path pass over?
The route tracks southwest over the Bay of Biscay, crossing the northern Spanish coast near Galicia, then down the Portuguese coast with the Tagus estuary and Lisbon visible on the left side at cruise altitude. The flight then crosses open Atlantic before the Canary Islands appear, with Lanzarote and Fuerteventura visible to the east before Gran Canaria comes into view.