The left side wins overall because the cruise portion of this route tracks along the southern edge of Central Asia and South Asia, offering extended views of the Caucasus, Iranian highlands, and Himalayan foothills — far more dramatic than the mostly featureless desert and ocean visible from the right side for most of the flight.
Flight Path
Caucasus Mountains, Caspian Sea, Iranian Zagros range, Himalayan foothills near the India-Nepal border, Bay of Bengal, and the Indochina coastline before crossing the South China Sea into the Philippines
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
LEFTHeathrow's westerly departure typically loops the aircraft back over the Thames Valley before heading east, giving left-side passengers a good look at Windsor Castle and the London suburbs before the climb-out levels off over the Home Counties.
Landing at MNL
RIGHTOn approach into NAIA, especially when landing toward the southwest on runway 24, the aircraft crosses Manila Bay, putting the skyline of Makati and Bay City along with Corregidor Island on the right side of the cabin.
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 Ninoy Aquino International (MNL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Manila. The left side wins overall because the cruise portion of this route tracks along the southern edge of Central Asia and South Asia, offering extended views of the Caucasus, Iranian highlands, and Himalayan foothills — far more dramatic than the mostly featureless desert and ocean visible from the right side for most of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Heathrow's westerly departure typically loops the aircraft back over the Thames Valley before heading east, giving left-side passengers a good look at Windsor Castle and the London suburbs before the climb-out levels off over the Home Counties. Notable sights include: Windsor Castle, River Thames, London suburban sprawl, Berkshire countryside.
What can I see when landing at Ninoy Aquino International in Manila?
When landing at Ninoy Aquino International (MNL), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into NAIA, especially when landing toward the southwest on runway 24, the aircraft crosses Manila Bay, putting the skyline of Makati and Bay City along with Corregidor Island on the right side of the cabin. Notable sights include: Manila Bay, Corregidor Island, Makati/BGC skyline, Cavite coastline.
How long is the flight from London to Manila?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) takes 16h 30m.
What does the London to Manila flight path pass over?
Caucasus Mountains, Caspian Sea, Iranian Zagros range, Himalayan foothills near the India-Nepal border, Bay of Bengal, and the Indochina coastline before crossing the South China Sea into the Philippines