While the left offers good takeoff views over southern England, the right side delivers superior landing scenery over Richmond's James River and downtown area. The landing views are more distinctive and visually rewarding than the takeoff, making right the better overall choice.
Flown LHR to RIC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Richmond is 3,727 miles (5,998 km), a flight of about 7 hours 15 minutes.
Transatlantic crossing over the North Atlantic with no major landmarks visible for most of the journey. The flight path crosses the Atlantic at approximately 51°N latitude, passing south of Iceland and Greenland. Approaching North America, the Canadian Maritime provinces and Nova Scotia coastline become visible, followed by the New England coast. The flight then tracks inland over the northeastern United States, crossing the Appalachian Mountains (appearing as a series of parallel ridges running southwest-northeast) before descending into Virginia.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Thames estuary and the Kent coastline as you climb out westbound over southern England. Right side faces inland toward the Midlands with less dramatic scenery.
Landing at RIC
RIGHTRight side provides views of the James River, downtown Richmond's skyline, and the surrounding Piedmont terrain during descent into RIC. Left side faces toward less distinctive suburban sprawl to the west.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Richmond International (RIC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Richmond. While the left offers good takeoff views over southern England, the right side delivers superior landing scenery over Richmond's James River and downtown area. The landing views are more distinctive and visually rewarding than the takeoff, making right the better overall choice.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Thames estuary and the Kent coastline as you climb out westbound over southern England. Right side faces inland toward the Midlands with less dramatic scenery. Notable sights include: Thames estuary, Kent coastline, North Downs ridge, English Channel.
What can I see when landing at Richmond International in Richmond?
When landing at Richmond International (RIC), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the James River, downtown Richmond's skyline, and the surrounding Piedmont terrain during descent into RIC. Left side faces toward less distinctive suburban sprawl to the west. Notable sights include: James River, Richmond downtown skyline, Piedmont hills, I-95 corridor.
How long is the flight from London to Richmond?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Richmond International (RIC) takes about 7 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,727 miles (5,998 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Richmond flight path pass over?
Transatlantic crossing over the North Atlantic with no major landmarks visible for most of the journey. The flight path crosses the Atlantic at approximately 51°N latitude, passing south of Iceland and Greenland. Approaching North America, the Canadian Maritime provinces and Nova Scotia coastline become visible, followed by the New England coast. The flight then tracks inland over the northeastern United States, crossing the Appalachian Mountains (appearing as a series of parallel ridges running southwest-northeast) before descending into Virginia.