The right side wins overall because it captures the more dramatic cruise-phase terrain over the Alps and Adriatic coast, plus a scenic water approach into Thessaloniki with Mount Olympus visible, outweighing the brief Windsor Castle view on departure.
Flown LHR to SKG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Thessaloniki is 1,346 miles (2,166 km), a flight of about 3 hours 25 minutes.
The route crosses eastern France, skirts the western Alps near the Swiss-Italian border, then continues over the Adriatic Sea and Albanian coastline before entering Greek airspace toward Thessaloniki.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
LEFTWesterly departures from Heathrow typically climb west then bank south toward the Channel, putting Windsor Castle and the Thames loop through Runnymede on the left side briefly before leveling onto the continental routing.
Landing at SKG
RIGHTArrivals into Thessaloniki on runway 10/28 typically approach from the west over the Thermaikos Gulf, giving right-side passengers a view of the water and the distant silhouette of Mount Olympus to the south before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Makedonia (SKG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Thessaloniki. The right side wins overall because it captures the more dramatic cruise-phase terrain over the Alps and Adriatic coast, plus a scenic water approach into Thessaloniki with Mount Olympus visible, outweighing the brief Windsor Castle view on departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Westerly departures from Heathrow typically climb west then bank south toward the Channel, putting Windsor Castle and the Thames loop through Runnymede on the left side briefly before leveling onto the continental routing. Notable sights include: Windsor Castle, River Thames, Staines Reservoirs.
What can I see when landing at Makedonia in Thessaloniki?
When landing at Makedonia (SKG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arrivals into Thessaloniki on runway 10/28 typically approach from the west over the Thermaikos Gulf, giving right-side passengers a view of the water and the distant silhouette of Mount Olympus to the south before touchdown. Notable sights include: Thermaikos Gulf, Mount Olympus, Thessaloniki waterfront, Chalkidiki peninsula hints.
How long is the flight from London to Thessaloniki?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Makedonia (SKG) takes about 3 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,346 miles (2,166 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Thessaloniki flight path pass over?
The route crosses eastern France, skirts the western Alps near the Swiss-Italian border, then continues over the Adriatic Sea and Albanian coastline before entering Greek airspace toward Thessaloniki.