While the right side offers a brief London skyline view on departure, the left side delivers the flight's standout feature — the White Cliffs of Dover and the English Channel crossing — which is visible for a longer, more dramatic stretch of the descent.
Flown LTN to CDG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Paris is 236 miles (380 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
English Channel crossing between Kent and Pas-de-Calais, with the chalk cliffs of Dover and Cap Blanc-Nez visible near the coast on either side
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LTN
RIGHTLuton's runway 25 departure sends aircraft southwest before turning south toward France, and during that turn London's skyline — the Shard, City towers, and the Thames — becomes visible off the right side in the middle distance. The left side at this point shows mostly Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire farmland with little to distinguish it.
Landing at CDG
LEFTOn the descent into CDG, the route crosses the Kent coastline and the English Channel, giving left-side passengers a clear view of the white chalk cliffs near Dover and the Channel crossing into the Pas-de-Calais coast of France. This coastal drama is the most distinctive scenery on the whole short route.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Luton (LTN) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Paris. While the right side offers a brief London skyline view on departure, the left side delivers the flight's standout feature — the White Cliffs of Dover and the English Channel crossing — which is visible for a longer, more dramatic stretch of the descent.
What can I see during takeoff from Luton in London?
During takeoff from Luton (LTN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Luton's runway 25 departure sends aircraft southwest before turning south toward France, and during that turn London's skyline — the Shard, City towers, and the Thames — becomes visible off the right side in the middle distance. The left side at this point shows mostly Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire farmland with little to distinguish it. Notable sights include: London skyline (The Shard, City of London towers), River Thames, Hertfordshire farmland.
What can I see when landing at Charles De Gaulle in Paris?
When landing at Charles De Gaulle (CDG), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the descent into CDG, the route crosses the Kent coastline and the English Channel, giving left-side passengers a clear view of the white chalk cliffs near Dover and the Channel crossing into the Pas-de-Calais coast of France. This coastal drama is the most distinctive scenery on the whole short route. Notable sights include: White Cliffs of Dover, English Channel, Pas-de-Calais coastline, French farmland near Amiens.
How long is the flight from London to Paris?
The flight from Luton (LTN) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 236 miles (380 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Paris flight path pass over?
English Channel crossing between Kent and Pas-de-Calais, with the chalk cliffs of Dover and Cap Blanc-Nez visible near the coast on either side