The right side delivers the more dramatic and iconic takeoff view over London and the Thames, which outweighs the modest advantage of the left side on landing at RDU. Over the Atlantic mid-flight both sides are equally featureless ocean, so the London departure is the deciding factor.
Flown LHR to RDU? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Raleigh-Durham is 3,863 miles (6,216 km), a flight of about 8 hours 30 minutes.
The route tracks northwest out of London over Ireland and the Irish Sea, then crosses the North Atlantic following a great-circle arc that passes south of Greenland and Iceland. Mid-ocean there is nothing but open North Atlantic water. Approaching North America the route crosses Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, where the Canadian Maritime coastline, the Bay of Fundy, and Cape Breton Island may be visible depending on exact routing. The aircraft then tracks down the US East Coast corridor over New England and the Mid-Atlantic states before descending into the Piedmont of North Carolina.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
RIGHTHeathrow typically departs eastbound on runways 09L/09R, meaning a right-side seat faces south over central London as the aircraft climbs and turns northwest. You get a clear view of the Thames snaking through the city, the Docklands, and the wider London basin before the aircraft heads out over the Home Counties.
Landing at RDU
LEFTRDU's primary arrival runway 23L/23R has aircraft approaching from the northeast, tracking southwest. A left-side seat faces southeast toward downtown Raleigh, Jordan Lake, and the Piedmont landscape. You get a clear look at the Research Triangle urban area and the characteristic red-clay Piedmont terrain on final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Raleigh Durham International (RDU)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Raleigh-Durham. The right side delivers the more dramatic and iconic takeoff view over London and the Thames, which outweighs the modest advantage of the left side on landing at RDU. Over the Atlantic mid-flight both sides are equally featureless ocean, so the London departure is the deciding factor.
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 eastbound on runways 09L/09R, meaning a right-side seat faces south over central London as the aircraft climbs and turns northwest. You get a clear view of the Thames snaking through the city, the Docklands, and the wider London basin before the aircraft heads out over the Home Counties. Notable sights include: River Thames and its bends through central London, Canary Wharf and the Docklands towers, Windsor Castle and Windsor Great Park to the southwest, the M25 orbital motorway arc.
What can I see when landing at Raleigh Durham International in Raleigh-Durham?
When landing at Raleigh Durham International (RDU), sit on the Left side for the best views. RDU's primary arrival runway 23L/23R has aircraft approaching from the northeast, tracking southwest. A left-side seat faces southeast toward downtown Raleigh, Jordan Lake, and the Piedmont landscape. You get a clear look at the Research Triangle urban area and the characteristic red-clay Piedmont terrain on final approach. Notable sights include: Downtown Raleigh skyline, Jordan Lake reservoir to the southwest, Falls Lake reservoir to the north, the Research Triangle Park campus grid visible below.
How long is the flight from London to Raleigh-Durham?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Raleigh Durham International (RDU) takes about 8 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,863 miles (6,216 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Raleigh-Durham flight path pass over?
The route tracks northwest out of London over Ireland and the Irish Sea, then crosses the North Atlantic following a great-circle arc that passes south of Greenland and Iceland. Mid-ocean there is nothing but open North Atlantic water. Approaching North America the route crosses Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, where the Canadian Maritime coastline, the Bay of Fundy, and Cape Breton Island may be visible depending on exact routing. The aircraft then tracks down the US East Coast corridor over New England and the Mid-Atlantic states before descending into the Piedmont of North Carolina.