Right-side seats offer superior views on both legs: the Thames valley and Chilterns on departure, and Mount Pico's iconic volcanic cone on arrival. This is the more geographically rewarding choice for the full journey.
Flown LHR to PIX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Pico is 1,617 miles (2,602 km), a flight of about 3 hours.
The flight path crosses the Bay of Biscay at roughly 48°N. Notable features include the Cornish coast (visible during departure if climbing slowly), the Celtic Sea, and the approach to the Iberian Peninsula's western margin. The Azores archipelago becomes visible roughly 30-40 minutes before landing, with São Jorge and Terceira islands potentially visible to the north of the direct approach path to Pico. The mid-Atlantic ridge's influence is evident in the deep ocean color and occasional swell patterns visible from altitude.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
RIGHTHeathrow typically departs westbound (runways 27L/27R). Right-side seats face north during initial climb, offering views of the Thames valley, London's northern suburbs, and the Chiltern Hills rising inland. Left seats face south toward suburban sprawl with less dramatic relief.
Landing at PIX
RIGHTPico airport (PIX) sits on the north coast of Pico island. Approaches typically come from the east or northeast. Right-side seats during descent will face the volcanic cone of Mount Pico (2,351 m) and the surrounding Atlantic. Left seats face away from the island's most dramatic feature.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Pico (PIX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Pico. Right-side seats offer superior views on both legs: the Thames valley and Chilterns on departure, and Mount Pico's iconic volcanic cone on arrival. This is the more geographically rewarding choice 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 typically departs westbound (runways 27L/27R). Right-side seats face north during initial climb, offering views of the Thames valley, London's northern suburbs, and the Chiltern Hills rising inland. Left seats face south toward suburban sprawl with less dramatic relief. Notable sights include: Thames River (snaking through the valley below), Chiltern Hills (low ridge visible to the north), London's urban grid (extending east), Windsor area (visible to the southwest at distance).
What can I see when landing at Pico in Pico?
When landing at Pico (PIX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Pico airport (PIX) sits on the north coast of Pico island. Approaches typically come from the east or northeast. Right-side seats during descent will face the volcanic cone of Mount Pico (2,351 m) and the surrounding Atlantic. Left seats face away from the island's most dramatic feature. Notable sights include: Mount Pico (the island's dominant volcanic peak), Faial Island (visible to the northwest across the channel), Atlantic Ocean (surrounding the islands), Pico's northern coastal cliffs and settlements.
How long is the flight from London to Pico?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Pico (PIX) takes about 3 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 1,617 miles (2,602 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Pico flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Bay of Biscay at roughly 48°N. Notable features include the Cornish coast (visible during departure if climbing slowly), the Celtic Sea, and the approach to the Iberian Peninsula's western margin. The Azores archipelago becomes visible roughly 30-40 minutes before landing, with São Jorge and Terceira islands potentially visible to the north of the direct approach path to Pico. The mid-Atlantic ridge's influence is evident in the deep ocean color and occasional swell patterns visible from altitude.