London to Shannon is 369 miles (594 km), a flight of about 1 hour 20 minutes.
The left side consistently offers more geographic variety across the flight — the Severn Estuary and Welsh coast at departure, glimpses of the Irish Sea and southern Irish coastline en route, and the Shannon Estuary on arrival — while the right side stays mostly over flat, unremarkable countryside throughout.
Flight Path
Irish Sea crossing between South Wales and southeastern Ireland, with the Celtic Sea and Irish coastline near Waterford visible in clear conditions
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
LEFTDeparting Heathrow to the west, the left (south) side gives views over the Thames Valley, Reading, and Bristol before the Severn Estuary and South Wales coastline come into view. The right side mostly shows the flatter Home Counties and Cotswold farmland with less visual variety.
Landing at SNN
LEFTOn approach to Shannon's runway 24, the aircraft tracks southwest along the Shannon Estuary, and the left side offers clear views of the estuary's north bank, the Clare countryside, and rolling hills toward the Atlantic. The right side mainly shows flatter County Limerick farmland with less coastal interest.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Shannon (SNN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Shannon. The left side consistently offers more geographic variety across the flight — the Severn Estuary and Welsh coast at departure, glimpses of the Irish Sea and southern Irish coastline en route, and the Shannon Estuary on arrival — while the right side stays mostly over flat, unremarkable countryside throughout.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Heathrow to the west, the left (south) side gives views over the Thames Valley, Reading, and Bristol before the Severn Estuary and South Wales coastline come into view. The right side mostly shows the flatter Home Counties and Cotswold farmland with less visual variety. Notable sights include: Thames Valley and Reading, Bristol and the Severn Estuary, South Wales coast near Cardiff and Swansea.
What can I see when landing at Shannon in Shannon?
When landing at Shannon (SNN), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to Shannon's runway 24, the aircraft tracks southwest along the Shannon Estuary, and the left side offers clear views of the estuary's north bank, the Clare countryside, and rolling hills toward the Atlantic. The right side mainly shows flatter County Limerick farmland with less coastal interest. Notable sights include: Shannon Estuary, County Clare hills, Limerick countryside, Atlantic coastline near the estuary mouth.
How long is the flight from London to Shannon?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Shannon (SNN) takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 369 miles (594 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Shannon flight path pass over?
Irish Sea crossing between South Wales and southeastern Ireland, with the Celtic Sea and Irish coastline near Waterford visible in clear conditions