About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to San Diego. The right side wins overall. While the left side offers a good London departure view, the right side delivers the dramatic San Diego arrival over the bay and Coronado Bridge, which is one of the most visually striking urban approaches in North America. Mid-flight over Canada and the northern US, the right side also faces south toward the Great Lakes and later the Rockies, offering more consistent scenery.
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 typically departs westbound on runways 27L/27R. A left-side seat gives you a view south over Windsor Great Park, the Thames, and central London as the aircraft banks right after departure. You can clearly see the Thames snaking through the city and the urban grid of west London. Notable sights include: Windsor Castle and Windsor Great Park, River Thames through west London, Richmond Park, Wembley Stadium arch.
What can I see when landing at San Diego International Lindbergh Fld in San Diego?
When landing at San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN), sit on the Right side for the best views. San Diego's runway 27 approach comes in from the east over Mission Valley and downtown, meaning a right-side seat faces south toward the Coronado Bridge, San Diego Bay, and the Pacific coastline. The final approach over downtown is one of the most dramatic urban arrivals in the US. Notable sights include: San Diego Bay and Coronado Bridge, downtown San Diego skyline, Point Loma peninsula, Pacific Ocean and Coronado Beach.
How long is the flight from London to San Diego?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) takes Approximately 10 to 11 hours.
What does the London to San Diego flight path pass over?
The route tracks a great circle northwestward over Ireland, then across the North Atlantic near southern Greenland, over Labrador and Quebec in Canada, across the Great Lakes region, over the northern US plains, the Rocky Mountains of Colorado or Utah depending on routing, the Mojave Desert, and finally descending into Southern California over the Transverse Ranges and the Los Angeles basin before reaching San Diego.