The right side benefits from a more scenic takeoff over London's edge and the Thames Estuary, plus cruise-phase views of the Alps' eastern foothills and the Balkan mountain ranges of Slovenia, Croatia, and Bulgaria as the flight path curves southeast toward Turkey. The left side's advantage is limited to the final few minutes of the Istanbul approach.
Flown LTN to IST? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Istanbul is 1,550 miles (2,494 km), a flight of about 3 hours 40 minutes.
Eastern Alps near the Austria-Slovenia border, the Dinaric Alps over Croatia and Bosnia, and the Balkan mountain range crossing into Bulgaria before the descent toward the Black Sea coast of Turkey
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LTN
RIGHTDeparting Luton to the southeast, the right side offers glimpses of London's outer suburbs and the Thames Estuary as the aircraft climbs and turns onto its easterly track toward the Channel. The left side mostly shows flat East Anglian farmland with little visual interest.
Landing at IST
LEFTOn the typical northern approach into Istanbul (runway 35s), the aircraft descends from the Black Sea side and turns south, putting the Bosphorus strait and Istanbul's dense skyline on the left side of the cabin just before touchdown. The right side instead faces open farmland and the Black Sea coastline with less distinctive scenery.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Luton (LTN) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Istanbul. The right side benefits from a more scenic takeoff over London's edge and the Thames Estuary, plus cruise-phase views of the Alps' eastern foothills and the Balkan mountain ranges of Slovenia, Croatia, and Bulgaria as the flight path curves southeast toward Turkey. The left side's advantage is limited to the final few minutes of the Istanbul approach.
What can I see during takeoff from Luton in London?
During takeoff from Luton (LTN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Luton to the southeast, the right side offers glimpses of London's outer suburbs and the Thames Estuary as the aircraft climbs and turns onto its easterly track toward the Channel. The left side mostly shows flat East Anglian farmland with little visual interest. Notable sights include: Thames Estuary, London's eastern suburbs, Kent countryside, English Channel coastline.
What can I see when landing at İstanbul Airport in Istanbul?
When landing at İstanbul Airport (IST), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the typical northern approach into Istanbul (runway 35s), the aircraft descends from the Black Sea side and turns south, putting the Bosphorus strait and Istanbul's dense skyline on the left side of the cabin just before touchdown. The right side instead faces open farmland and the Black Sea coastline with less distinctive scenery. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul city skyline, Sea of Marmara, Black Sea coastline.
How long is the flight from London to Istanbul?
The flight from Luton (LTN) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes about 3 hours 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,550 miles (2,494 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Istanbul flight path pass over?
Eastern Alps near the Austria-Slovenia border, the Dinaric Alps over Croatia and Bosnia, and the Balkan mountain range crossing into Bulgaria before the descent toward the Black Sea coast of Turkey