While takeoff favors the right, the landing approach over the Algarve's dramatic coastline is significantly more visually rewarding. Left-side seats capture the most striking scenery of the entire flight during descent.
Flown LTN to FAO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Faro is 1,092 miles (1,757 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the English Channel (visible as a narrow water body roughly 30 minutes into flight), then passes over Normandy and Brittany in northern France with their patchwork agricultural fields and river valleys. The Loire Valley and its tributaries appear as silvery lines through green terrain. Further south, the Massif Central's higher plateaus create subtle topographic relief. The flight then crosses the Bay of Biscay (open Atlantic, featureless from altitude) before approaching the Portuguese coast near the Douro River estuary, then following the coastline southward toward Faro.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from LTN
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Thames estuary and the Chiltern Hills as the aircraft climbs southwestward. The left side faces inland toward the Midlands with less distinctive scenery during initial climb.
Landing at FAO
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views of the Algarve coastline, Lagos Bay, and the dramatic ochre-red cliffs as the aircraft descends toward Faro from the north. The right side faces inland toward less visually distinctive terrain.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Luton (LTN) to Faro (FAO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Faro. While takeoff favors the right, the landing approach over the Algarve's dramatic coastline is significantly more visually rewarding. Left-side seats capture the most striking scenery of the entire flight during 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. Right-side seats offer views of the Thames estuary and the Chiltern Hills as the aircraft climbs southwestward. The left side faces inland toward the Midlands with less distinctive scenery during initial climb. Notable sights include: Thames estuary, Chiltern Hills, London urban sprawl, North Sea coast to the northeast.
What can I see when landing at Faro in Faro?
When landing at Faro (FAO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views of the Algarve coastline, Lagos Bay, and the dramatic ochre-red cliffs as the aircraft descends toward Faro from the north. The right side faces inland toward less visually distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Algarve red-rock cliffs, Lagos Bay, Ponta da Piedade rock formations, Atlantic coastline.
How long is the flight from London to Faro?
The flight from Luton (LTN) to Faro (FAO) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,092 miles (1,757 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Faro flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the English Channel (visible as a narrow water body roughly 30 minutes into flight), then passes over Normandy and Brittany in northern France with their patchwork agricultural fields and river valleys. The Loire Valley and its tributaries appear as silvery lines through green terrain. Further south, the Massif Central's higher plateaus create subtle topographic relief. The flight then crosses the Bay of Biscay (open Atlantic, featureless from altitude) before approaching the Portuguese coast near the Douro River estuary, then following the coastline southward toward Faro.