The left side captures London on departure, the Alps and Adriatic coastline during cruise, and the Athens approach with the Acropolis and Saronic Gulf islands, giving far more varied and dramatic scenery than the right side's flatter, less distinctive views.
Flown LTN to ATH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Athens is 1,518 miles (2,443 km), a flight of about 3 hours 35 minutes.
Eastern France, the Swiss/Italian Alps near the Mont Blanc massif, the Adriatic Sea, and the Albanian and Greek coastline near the Ionian islands
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from LTN
LEFTDeparting on runway 25, the aircraft climbs west then banks left onto its southeast routing, swinging the London skyline and the Thames valley into view on the left side. The right side only shows flat Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire farmland.
Landing at ATH
LEFTAthens approaches from the south over the Saronic Gulf toward runway 03L, putting the islands of Aegina and Salamis, the Attic coastline, and the Athens cityscape with the Acropolis rock on the left side as the aircraft descends. The right side faces inland toward the plainer Mesogeia basin.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Luton (LTN) to Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Athens. The left side captures London on departure, the Alps and Adriatic coastline during cruise, and the Athens approach with the Acropolis and Saronic Gulf islands, giving far more varied and dramatic scenery than the right side's flatter, less distinctive views.
What can I see during takeoff from Luton in London?
During takeoff from Luton (LTN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing on runway 25, the aircraft climbs west then banks left onto its southeast routing, swinging the London skyline and the Thames valley into view on the left side. The right side only shows flat Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire farmland. Notable sights include: Central London skyline (The Shard, Canary Wharf), the Thames, Chiltern Hills.
What can I see when landing at Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos in Athens?
When landing at Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Athens approaches from the south over the Saronic Gulf toward runway 03L, putting the islands of Aegina and Salamis, the Attic coastline, and the Athens cityscape with the Acropolis rock on the left side as the aircraft descends. The right side faces inland toward the plainer Mesogeia basin. Notable sights include: Saronic Gulf, Aegina and Salamis islands, Athens cityscape, Acropolis hill.
How long is the flight from London to Athens?
The flight from Luton (LTN) to Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) takes about 3 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,518 miles (2,443 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Athens flight path pass over?
Eastern France, the Swiss/Italian Alps near the Mont Blanc massif, the Adriatic Sea, and the Albanian and Greek coastline near the Ionian islands