Right-side seats win overall due to the superior takeoff experience showing Gran Canaria's dramatic volcanic landscape, which is the flight's most visually distinctive segment. While landing views favor the left, the takeoff spectacle from the right outweighs the relatively modest landing scenery over suburban Surrey.
Flown LPA to LGW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Gran Canaria to London is 1,789 miles (2,879 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Bay of Biscay and passes over the Iberian Peninsula's western coast. Notable features include the Portuguese coastline (Algarve and central coast), the Tagus River estuary near Lisbon, and the transition into the English Channel as the aircraft approaches southern England. The Bay of Biscay typically shows open ocean with occasional cloud formations, while the Iberian Peninsula reveals the contrast between coastal development and interior plateau terrain.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LPA
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the dramatic volcanic terrain of Gran Canaria's interior and the northern coast as the aircraft climbs northwestward. The island's central peaks and the contrast between dark volcanic slopes and coastal development are most visible from the right during typical northwesterly departures.
Landing at LGW
LEFTLeft-side seats offer the best views during descent into Gatwick, particularly the Thames Valley, London's urban sprawl, and the distinctive patchwork of Surrey's agricultural and suburban landscape. Typical landing approaches from the south provide excellent left-side visibility of these features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gran Canaria (LPA) to Gatwick (LGW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Gran Canaria to London. Right-side seats win overall due to the superior takeoff experience showing Gran Canaria's dramatic volcanic landscape, which is the flight's most visually distinctive segment. While landing views favor the left, the takeoff spectacle from the right outweighs the relatively modest landing scenery over suburban Surrey.
What can I see during takeoff from Gran Canaria in Gran Canaria?
During takeoff from Gran Canaria (LPA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the dramatic volcanic terrain of Gran Canaria's interior and the northern coast as the aircraft climbs northwestward. The island's central peaks and the contrast between dark volcanic slopes and coastal development are most visible from the right during typical northwesterly departures. Notable sights include: Pico de las Nieves (central Gran Canaria's highest peak at 6,394 ft), the northern coastal city of Las Palmas, the dark volcanic ridgelines of the island's interior, Atlantic Ocean extending northward.
What can I see when landing at Gatwick in London?
When landing at Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best views during descent into Gatwick, particularly the Thames Valley, London's urban sprawl, and the distinctive patchwork of Surrey's agricultural and suburban landscape. Typical landing approaches from the south provide excellent left-side visibility of these features. Notable sights include: The Thames River winding through the London Basin, the dense urban grid of Greater London, Surrey's green belt and field patterns, Gatwick's runway infrastructure and surrounding commercial development.
How long is the flight from Gran Canaria to London?
The flight from Gran Canaria (LPA) to Gatwick (LGW) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,789 miles (2,879 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Gran Canaria to London flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Bay of Biscay and passes over the Iberian Peninsula's western coast. Notable features include the Portuguese coastline (Algarve and central coast), the Tagus River estuary near Lisbon, and the transition into the English Channel as the aircraft approaches southern England. The Bay of Biscay typically shows open ocean with occasional cloud formations, while the Iberian Peninsula reveals the contrast between coastal development and interior plateau terrain.