Right side scores 3.5 vs left's 2.5 because it captures two major scenic sequences: the Thames estuary and North Sea during London departure, and Port Phillip Bay plus the Dandenong Ranges during Melbourne arrival. Left side is dominated by flat, featureless terrain (Berkshire countryside outbound; inland Victoria inbound) with minimal landmark density or visual variety. The right side's coastal and urban features provide substantially more scenic interest across the full 17+ hour flight.
Flown LHR to MEB? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Melbourne is 10,511 miles (16,917 km), a flight of about 17 hours 15 minutes.
The flight crosses the Mediterranean (Strait of Gibraltar, North African coast), Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean. Notable waypoints include the Suez Canal region, the Horn of Africa coastline, the Arabian Peninsula's eastern edge, and the Maldives archipelago. The majority of the 17+ hour journey is over open ocean with minimal ground features visible; the most dramatic scenery occurs during the first 2 hours (London departure) and final 2 hours (Melbourne approach). Cruise altitude (35,000+ feet) over water offers no distinctive landmarks—only cloud patterns and ocean color variations.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
RIGHTRight side captures the Thames estuary, London's urban sprawl, and the North Sea coastline during westerly operations (70% of departures). Left side shows only inland Berkshire countryside and the Chiltern Hills—less dramatic and less distinctive.
Landing at MEB
RIGHTRight side offers the approach into Melbourne Essendon via runway 26 (westerly operations), revealing Port Phillip Bay, the Dandenong Ranges to the east, and the city skyline. Left side during descent shows only inland Victoria's flat agricultural plains—minimal visual interest.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Melbourne Essendon (MEB)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Melbourne. Right side scores 3.5 vs left's 2.5 because it captures two major scenic sequences: the Thames estuary and North Sea during London departure, and Port Phillip Bay plus the Dandenong Ranges during Melbourne arrival. Left side is dominated by flat, featureless terrain (Berkshire countryside outbound; inland Victoria inbound) with minimal landmark density or visual variety. The right side's coastal and urban features provide substantially more scenic interest across the full 17+ hour flight.
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 captures the Thames estuary, London's urban sprawl, and the North Sea coastline during westerly operations (70% of departures). Left side shows only inland Berkshire countryside and the Chiltern Hills—less dramatic and less distinctive. Notable sights include: Thames estuary with its distinctive meanders, Greater London urban grid, North Sea horizon.
What can I see when landing at Melbourne Essendon in Melbourne?
When landing at Melbourne Essendon (MEB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers the approach into Melbourne Essendon via runway 26 (westerly operations), revealing Port Phillip Bay, the Dandenong Ranges to the east, and the city skyline. Left side during descent shows only inland Victoria's flat agricultural plains—minimal visual interest. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay with its distinctive crescent shape, Dandenong Ranges forested ridgeline, Melbourne CBD skyline, Yarra River bend.
How long is the flight from London to Melbourne?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Melbourne Essendon (MEB) takes about 17 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 10,511 miles (16,917 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Melbourne flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Mediterranean (Strait of Gibraltar, North African coast), Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean. Notable waypoints include the Suez Canal region, the Horn of Africa coastline, the Arabian Peninsula's eastern edge, and the Maldives archipelago. The majority of the 17+ hour journey is over open ocean with minimal ground features visible; the most dramatic scenery occurs during the first 2 hours (London departure) and final 2 hours (Melbourne approach). Cruise altitude (35,000+ feet) over water offers no distinctive landmarks—only cloud patterns and ocean color variations.