While the right side offers better views during London departure, the left side provides superior scenery during the critical landing phase over the San Francisco Bay area and East Bay Hills. The approach views are more dramatic and visually rewarding than the takeoff sequence.
Flown LHR to OAK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Oakland is 5,343 miles (8,599 km), a flight of about 10 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean (no significant landmarks for 5-6 hours), then passes over Newfoundland and Labrador, the Canadian Maritime provinces, and the Great Lakes region. Notable features include the Labrador coast, the St. Lawrence River valley, the Appalachian Mountains (visible as a low ridge system), and the Great Lakes (particularly Lake Michigan and Lake Superior as you approach the Midwest). Over the central United States, the Rocky Mountains become visible on the horizon around 2-3 hours before landing, with the Sierra Nevada range appearing as the aircraft approaches California from the east.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Thames estuary and London's urban sprawl as the aircraft climbs westward out of Heathrow. You'll see the river's distinctive meanders and the Greater London conurbation spreading beneath you.
Landing at OAK
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the approach to Oakland. You'll see the San Francisco Bay, the East Bay hills, and the Oakland/Berkeley urban area as the aircraft descends from the east over the bay.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Metropolitan Oakland International (OAK)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Oakland. While the right side offers better views during London departure, the left side provides superior scenery during the critical landing phase over the San Francisco Bay area and East Bay Hills. The approach views are more dramatic and visually rewarding than the takeoff sequence.
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 seats offer views of the Thames estuary and London's urban sprawl as the aircraft climbs westward out of Heathrow. You'll see the river's distinctive meanders and the Greater London conurbation spreading beneath you. Notable sights include: River Thames and its estuary, Greater London urban area, Windsor Castle area (visible as a small landmark near the river), North Downs escarpment to the south.
What can I see when landing at Metropolitan Oakland International in Oakland?
When landing at Metropolitan Oakland International (OAK), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the approach to Oakland. You'll see the San Francisco Bay, the East Bay hills, and the Oakland/Berkeley urban area as the aircraft descends from the east over the bay. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, East Bay Hills, Mount Diablo (visible as a prominent peak to the southeast), Oakland and Berkeley waterfront.
How long is the flight from London to Oakland?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Metropolitan Oakland International (OAK) takes about 10 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,343 miles (8,599 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Oakland flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean (no significant landmarks for 5-6 hours), then passes over Newfoundland and Labrador, the Canadian Maritime provinces, and the Great Lakes region. Notable features include the Labrador coast, the St. Lawrence River valley, the Appalachian Mountains (visible as a low ridge system), and the Great Lakes (particularly Lake Michigan and Lake Superior as you approach the Midwest). Over the central United States, the Rocky Mountains become visible on the horizon around 2-3 hours before landing, with the Sierra Nevada range appearing as the aircraft approaches California from the east.