The right side wins overall because it holds scenic interest for a much longer stretch of the flight — the Lagos lagoon system at departure, then hours of Sahara dune fields and the Ahaggar (Hoggar) Mountains of southern Algeria during cruise — while the left side's best feature, the Thames/Windsor Castle view, lasts only a few minutes on approach.
Flown LOS to LHR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Lagos to London is 3,109 miles (5,004 km), a flight of about 6 hours 30 minutes.
Sahara Desert dune fields, Ahaggar (Hoggar) Mountains of southern Algeria, the Niger River near Niamey, and the Algerian Mediterranean coastline before the route crosses into southern France
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LOS
RIGHTDeparting Lagos on runway 36 heading north, the right (east) side gives a good look back at the Lagos Lagoon, Lekki Peninsula, and the maze of coastal creeks before the city gives way to the mainland. The left side mostly shows open Atlantic water with little detail.
Landing at LHR
LEFTOn the typical westerly approach into Heathrow, the aircraft descends from the east over London before turning onto final for 27L/27R, and the left side faces south toward the Thames. Passengers get views of the river's loops, Kew Gardens, and often Windsor Castle just before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lagos Murtala Muhammed (LOS) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Lagos to London. The right side wins overall because it holds scenic interest for a much longer stretch of the flight — the Lagos lagoon system at departure, then hours of Sahara dune fields and the Ahaggar (Hoggar) Mountains of southern Algeria during cruise — while the left side's best feature, the Thames/Windsor Castle view, lasts only a few minutes on approach.
What can I see during takeoff from Lagos Murtala Muhammed in Lagos?
During takeoff from Lagos Murtala Muhammed (LOS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Lagos on runway 36 heading north, the right (east) side gives a good look back at the Lagos Lagoon, Lekki Peninsula, and the maze of coastal creeks before the city gives way to the mainland. The left side mostly shows open Atlantic water with little detail. Notable sights include: Lagos Lagoon, Lekki Peninsula, Victoria Island coastline, Atlantic shoreline.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the typical westerly approach into Heathrow, the aircraft descends from the east over London before turning onto final for 27L/27R, and the left side faces south toward the Thames. Passengers get views of the river's loops, Kew Gardens, and often Windsor Castle just before touchdown. Notable sights include: River Thames, Kew Gardens, Windsor Castle, Richmond Park.
How long is the flight from Lagos to London?
The flight from Lagos Murtala Muhammed (LOS) to Heathrow (LHR) takes about 6 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,109 miles (5,004 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Lagos to London flight path pass over?
Sahara Desert dune fields, Ahaggar (Hoggar) Mountains of southern Algeria, the Niger River near Niamey, and the Algerian Mediterranean coastline before the route crosses into southern France