The right side wins overall thanks to the long cruise segment over southern Greenland's fjords and ice sheet and the Canadian Arctic coastline, which offers far more dramatic and prolonged scenery than the mostly open-water and plains views on the left during cruise, even though the left side gets the better Mount Hood approach.
Flight Path
Southern Greenland's ice sheet and fjord coastline, Davis Strait, Labrador Sea, Hudson Bay, and the boreal forests of central Canada
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
RIGHTWesterly departures off 27L/27R typically bank north toward the North Atlantic tracks, giving right-side passengers a receding view of London's skyline and the Thames valley before the turn, followed by the Welsh hills and Irish coastline as the climb continues.
Landing at PDX
LEFTArrivals into PDX from the east commonly descend along the Columbia River corridor before turning onto runway 28, putting the snow-capped cone of Mount Hood on the left side as the aircraft banks for final approach.
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 Portland International (PDX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Portland. The right side wins overall thanks to the long cruise segment over southern Greenland's fjords and ice sheet and the Canadian Arctic coastline, which offers far more dramatic and prolonged scenery than the mostly open-water and plains views on the left during cruise, even though the left side gets the better Mount Hood approach.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Westerly departures off 27L/27R typically bank north toward the North Atlantic tracks, giving right-side passengers a receding view of London's skyline and the Thames valley before the turn, followed by the Welsh hills and Irish coastline as the climb continues. Notable sights include: River Thames and London skyline, Chiltern Hills, Bristol Channel, Irish south coast.
What can I see when landing at Portland International in Portland?
When landing at Portland International (PDX), sit on the Left side for the best views. Arrivals into PDX from the east commonly descend along the Columbia River corridor before turning onto runway 28, putting the snow-capped cone of Mount Hood on the left side as the aircraft banks for final approach. Notable sights include: Mount Hood, Columbia River, Willamette Valley farmland, Portland's West Hills.
How long is the flight from London to Portland?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Portland International (PDX) takes 10h15m.
What does the London to Portland flight path pass over?
Southern Greenland's ice sheet and fjord coastline, Davis Strait, Labrador Sea, Hudson Bay, and the boreal forests of central Canada