About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to North Island Nas (NZY)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to San Diego. Right side wins at both ends of the flight. Over the Atlantic and Canadian Arctic the views are largely ocean and ice regardless of side, but the right side delivers the better show at departure over London and again on approach into San Diego Bay with its distinctive geography.
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 on the eastbound runways (09L/09R) head east over London before turning northwest. Right side gives you the Thames corridor, central London skyline including the City and Canary Wharf, and then the M25 ring as you climb out. Left side faces north toward suburban Middlesex with little of interest. Notable sights include: Thames River bends through central London, Canary Wharf tower cluster, Windsor Castle and Great Park to the west on the turn, M25 motorway ring visible as a broad arc.
What can I see when landing at North Island Nas in San Diego?
When landing at North Island Nas (NZY), sit on the Right side for the best views. NZY is on North Island in San Diego Bay. Approaches typically come in from the northwest over the Pacific or from the north. Right side on approach gives you San Diego Bay, the downtown San Diego skyline, Coronado Island, and the Pacific coastline. Left side faces inland toward suburban Mission Valley and hills. Notable sights include: San Diego Bay and Coronado Island, downtown San Diego skyline, Silver Strand connecting Coronado to the mainland, Point Loma peninsula.
How long is the flight from London to San Diego?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to North Island Nas (NZY) takes Approximately 10 to 11 hours.
What does the London to San Diego flight path pass over?
The great circle route from London to San Diego tracks northwest over Ireland, then across the North Atlantic, clipping southern Greenland or its ice sheet edge, crossing the Canadian Arctic including Baffin Island and Hudson Bay region, then south over the Canadian Rockies and the Sierra Nevada range before descending into Southern California. The Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada are the most visually dramatic midpoint features, visible as a continuous snow-capped spine from cruising altitude.