About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Executive (ORL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Orlando. The London departure on the left side is the clear highlight of this route — central London from 4,000 feet is genuinely spectacular and hard to beat. The mid-Atlantic crossing offers little from either side, and the Florida arrival views are modest. Left side wins on the strength of the departure alone.
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 departures on the eastbound runways (09L/09R) climb out heading east, putting central London on the left side. You get a clear view of the Thames snaking through the city, with the Canary Wharf cluster and the City of London visible before the aircraft turns northwest. Right side faces south toward Surrey suburbs with nothing comparable. Notable sights include: Thames River bends through central London, Canary Wharf tower cluster, Windsor Castle and Windsor Great Park to the west during initial climb, City of London skyline.
What can I see when landing at Executive in Orlando?
When landing at Executive (ORL), sit on the Right side for the best views. ORL (Executive Airport) sits just north of downtown Orlando, and aircraft typically approach from the northeast on runway 13 or from the north. A right-side seat gives views of the Orlando urban core, the chain of lakes that define the city's geography, and on clear days the distinctive layout of Walt Disney World's park complexes to the southwest. Left side faces away toward open scrubland. Notable sights include: Chain of lakes through Orlando metro (Lake Apopka, Lake Tohopekaliga visible in distance), Orlando downtown skyline, Interstate highway grid of the metro area, open Florida scrubland and wetlands.
How long is the flight from London to Orlando?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Executive (ORL) takes Approximately 9 to 9.5 hours westbound.
What does the London to Orlando flight path pass over?
The route tracks northwest over Ireland and the Irish Sea, then crosses the North Atlantic on a great circle arc passing south of Greenland and Iceland. Mid-flight passes over Newfoundland and the Canadian Maritime provinces — look for the rugged coastline of Newfoundland and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The aircraft then crosses New England states before descending into Florida. The Atlantic crossing itself offers only ocean and occasional cloud formations for several hours.