About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Juan Santamaria International (SJO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to San Jose. Right side wins at both ends of the flight. The Thames and London departure views are strong on the right, and the volcanic Cordillera Central on approach into SJO is the clear highlight of the landing. The mid-Atlantic and Caribbean sections offer little differentiation between sides.
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 departures heading west on runway 27L/27R give the right side a clear view over central London as the aircraft banks south. You'll see the Thames snaking through the city, the dense urban grid of west London, and on a clear day the Canary Wharf cluster to the east. Notable sights include: River Thames bends through west London, Windsor Castle and Great Park to the southwest, Wembley Stadium arch visible to the north, M25 orbital motorway ring.
What can I see when landing at Juan Santamaria International in San Jose?
When landing at Juan Santamaria International (SJO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Aircraft approaching SJO typically land on runway 07, coming in from the west over the Central Valley. The right side faces north toward the Poas and Barva volcanoes, while both sides get views of the Central Valley, but the right side has the cleaner look at the volcanic ridge line of the Cordillera Central. Notable sights include: Volcan Poas (2,708m) to the north, Volcan Barva in the Cordillera Central, the urban sprawl of San Jose and Heredia in the Central Valley floor, coffee plantation patchwork on valley slopes.
How long is the flight from London to San Jose?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Juan Santamaria International (SJO) takes Approximately 11 to 12 hours.
What does the London to San Jose flight path pass over?
The flight tracks southwest over the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian Peninsula, then crosses the Atlantic roughly parallel to the Canary Islands to the south. The route passes over the Caribbean Sea, crossing Cuba or the Yucatan Peninsula depending on routing, then descends over the Pacific-facing slopes of Central America into Costa Rica's Central Valley. The Azores may be visible as small specks far to the north mid-Atlantic. The Sierra Madre of Mexico and the volcanic chain of Central America including Guatemalan and Nicaraguan volcanoes may be visible during the final two hours.