About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to New Orleans. The right side wins overall. The London departure view is genuinely spectacular with the Thames and city grid, and across the Atlantic the right side picks up the southern coast of Ireland, the open North Atlantic, and later the Canadian Maritime coastline. On descent into New Orleans the left side is better, but the departure experience and transatlantic scenery on the right edge it out for the full journey.
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 west on runway 27L/27R give the right side a clear view over central London as the aircraft banks. You'll see the Thames snaking through the city, with the dense urban grid of West London and the green patches of Richmond Park visible before the aircraft climbs out over the Home Counties. Notable sights include: Thames River bends through West London, Richmond Park, Windsor Castle and Great Park to the southwest, Wembley Stadium arch to the north.
What can I see when landing at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International in New Orleans?
When landing at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY), sit on the Left side for the best views. MSY sits just west of New Orleans, and aircraft typically approach from the east or northeast on runway 20 or 10. A left-side seat gives you the best view of Lake Pontchartrain's enormous expanse and the city of New Orleans itself, including the distinctive crescent bend of the Mississippi River that gives the city its nickname. Notable sights include: Lake Pontchartrain (massive inland lake north of the city), Mississippi River crescent bend through downtown New Orleans, Lake Borgne to the east, the causeway bridges crossing Lake Pontchartrain.
How long is the flight from London to New Orleans?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) takes Approximately 10 to 11 hours.
What does the London to New Orleans flight path pass over?
Southern tip of Ireland (County Cork coastline) shortly after departure, then open North Atlantic with occasional icebergs near Newfoundland latitude, the Canadian Maritimes (Nova Scotia or Newfoundland coastline depending on routing), New England coast possibly including Cape Cod, then the Appalachian ridgelines over Virginia and the Carolinas, transitioning to the flat coastal plain of the Deep South before the Louisiana wetlands and Lake Pontchartrain on descent