While left offers better views during UK departure, right seats dominate the longer Iceland approach and provide superior views of Iceland's dramatic volcanic terrain and coastal geography—the most visually distinctive portion of this route.
Flown LTN to RKV? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Reykjavik is 1,147 miles (1,845 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the North Sea (featureless water for ~90 minutes), then transitions over the Atlantic toward the Faroe Islands (visible as small dark landmasses if flying south of them), and finally approaches Iceland's southern coast. The Reykjanes Peninsula's volcanic plateau becomes visible approximately 30 minutes before landing. No major mountain ranges or cities are visible during the mid-Atlantic cruise phase; the route is predominantly over open ocean.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LTN
LEFTLuton typically departs northwestward (runways 08/26, with northwest operations favoring 08). Left seats face toward the North Sea and the Midlands, offering views of the English landscape including the Thames Valley and gradually the Pennines. Right seats face southeast toward London's urban sprawl with less geographic interest.
Landing at RKV
RIGHTKeflavík International Airport (serving Reykjavik) uses runways 02/20. Approaches typically come from the southeast over the Atlantic. Right seats face northwest toward Iceland's interior and the Reykjanes Peninsula's volcanic terrain. Left seats face the open Atlantic with minimal visual interest.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Luton (LTN) to Reykjavik (RKV)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Reykjavik. While left offers better views during UK departure, right seats dominate the longer Iceland approach and provide superior views of Iceland's dramatic volcanic terrain and coastal geography—the most visually distinctive portion of this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Luton in London?
During takeoff from Luton (LTN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Luton typically departs northwestward (runways 08/26, with northwest operations favoring 08). Left seats face toward the North Sea and the Midlands, offering views of the English landscape including the Thames Valley and gradually the Pennines. Right seats face southeast toward London's urban sprawl with less geographic interest. Notable sights include: Thames Valley (winding below), Chiltern Hills (low ridges to the west), Greater London urban area (sprawling southeast), North Sea horizon (northern distance).
What can I see when landing at Reykjavik in Reykjavik?
When landing at Reykjavik (RKV), sit on the Right side for the best views. Keflavík International Airport (serving Reykjavik) uses runways 02/20. Approaches typically come from the southeast over the Atlantic. Right seats face northwest toward Iceland's interior and the Reykjanes Peninsula's volcanic terrain. Left seats face the open Atlantic with minimal visual interest. Notable sights include: Reykjanes Peninsula lava fields (dark, textured volcanic rock), Faxaflói Bay (large water body to the north), distant Snæfellsjökull volcano (far western horizon), Keflavík town and airport infrastructure (approaching).
How long is the flight from London to Reykjavik?
The flight from Luton (LTN) to Reykjavik (RKV) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,147 miles (1,845 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Reykjavik flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Sea (featureless water for ~90 minutes), then transitions over the Atlantic toward the Faroe Islands (visible as small dark landmasses if flying south of them), and finally approaches Iceland's southern coast. The Reykjanes Peninsula's volcanic plateau becomes visible approximately 30 minutes before landing. No major mountain ranges or cities are visible during the mid-Atlantic cruise phase; the route is predominantly over open ocean.