Left side wins both ends of the flight. During the long transoceanic cruise over the Amazon basin, Caribbean, and Atlantic, neither side offers dramatic terrain differences, but the left side provides the Andes view on departure and the Thames and London approach on arrival — the two most visually rewarding moments of the journey.
Flown LIM to LHR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Lima to London is 6,307 miles (10,150 km), a flight of about 12 hours 30 minutes.
After climbing over the Andes, the route crosses the Amazon basin (vast green canopy with river braiding visible in clear conditions), then the mouth of the Amazon near Belem, the Atlantic Ocean for roughly 5-6 hours, the Cape Verde Islands region, the Canary Islands to the east, the Iberian Peninsula (Portugal and Spain visible in clear weather), the Bay of Biscay, and finally the English Channel before descent into Heathrow
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LIM
LEFTJorge Chavez uses runway 15/33 predominantly. Departing on runway 15 (heading southeast) or 33 (heading northwest), left-side seats face east toward the Andes. The Cordillera Occidental rises dramatically just 30-40 miles inland, with peaks exceeding 18,000 feet visible during climb-out over the flat coastal desert.
Landing at LHR
LEFTHeathrow's dominant runway orientation is 09/27 (east-west). On the standard westerly approach (landing runway 27L or 27R heading west), aircraft track over central London from the east. Left-side seats face south, giving views over the Thames, central London landmarks, and the city grid during the long visual approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Lima to London. Left side wins both ends of the flight. During the long transoceanic cruise over the Amazon basin, Caribbean, and Atlantic, neither side offers dramatic terrain differences, but the left side provides the Andes view on departure and the Thames and London approach on arrival — the two most visually rewarding moments of the journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima?
During takeoff from Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM), sit on the Left side for the best views. Jorge Chavez uses runway 15/33 predominantly. Departing on runway 15 (heading southeast) or 33 (heading northwest), left-side seats face east toward the Andes. The Cordillera Occidental rises dramatically just 30-40 miles inland, with peaks exceeding 18,000 feet visible during climb-out over the flat coastal desert. Notable sights include: Cordillera Occidental (Andes front range), Cerro La Viuda (~18,000 ft peak to northeast), Lima's coastal urban sprawl along the Pacific, Rimac River valley cutting inland toward the mountains.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Heathrow's dominant runway orientation is 09/27 (east-west). On the standard westerly approach (landing runway 27L or 27R heading west), aircraft track over central London from the east. Left-side seats face south, giving views over the Thames, central London landmarks, and the city grid during the long visual approach. Notable sights include: River Thames snaking through central London, Canary Wharf tower cluster in Docklands, The Shard and City of London skyline, Windsor Castle and Windsor Great Park on final approach.
How long is the flight from Lima to London?
The flight from Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) to Heathrow (LHR) takes about 12 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,307 miles (10,150 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Lima to London flight path pass over?
After climbing over the Andes, the route crosses the Amazon basin (vast green canopy with river braiding visible in clear conditions), then the mouth of the Amazon near Belem, the Atlantic Ocean for roughly 5-6 hours, the Cape Verde Islands region, the Canary Islands to the east, the Iberian Peninsula (Portugal and Spain visible in clear weather), the Bay of Biscay, and finally the English Channel before descent into Heathrow