The right side strings together the most distinctive scenery of the trip: the French Atlantic coastline near Bordeaux/Arcachon during cruise, the western Pyrenees foothills shortly after, and a scenic Mediterranean approach into Alicante with the city and castle in view, while the left side spends more time over featureless interior France and the Ebro valley.
Flown MAN to ALC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Manchester to Alicante is 1,044 miles (1,681 km), a flight of about 2 hours 55 minutes.
French Atlantic coastline near Arcachon Bay/Bordeaux, followed by the western Pyrenees foothills near the France-Spain border and the Ebro valley around Zaragoza
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MAN
LEFTDeparting Manchester on runway 23 and banking to pick up the southbound track, the left side looks across the Peak District's rolling moorland and gritstone edges, a nice contrast to the flat Cheshire Plain that dominates the right-side view during climb-out.
Landing at ALC
RIGHTOn approach to Alicante's runway 28, aircraft typically swing in from over the Mediterranean, and the right side faces north toward the city itself, giving a clear view of Alicante's harbor, the hilltop Santa Bárbara Castle, and the coastline curving toward the Costa Blanca.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Manchester (MAN) to Alicante (ALC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Manchester to Alicante. The right side strings together the most distinctive scenery of the trip: the French Atlantic coastline near Bordeaux/Arcachon during cruise, the western Pyrenees foothills shortly after, and a scenic Mediterranean approach into Alicante with the city and castle in view, while the left side spends more time over featureless interior France and the Ebro valley.
What can I see during takeoff from Manchester in Manchester?
During takeoff from Manchester (MAN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Manchester on runway 23 and banking to pick up the southbound track, the left side looks across the Peak District's rolling moorland and gritstone edges, a nice contrast to the flat Cheshire Plain that dominates the right-side view during climb-out. Notable sights include: Peak District moors (Kinder Scout/Bleaklow), Pennine foothills, Manchester's eastern suburbs.
What can I see when landing at Alicante in Alicante?
When landing at Alicante (ALC), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to Alicante's runway 28, aircraft typically swing in from over the Mediterranean, and the right side faces north toward the city itself, giving a clear view of Alicante's harbor, the hilltop Santa Bárbara Castle, and the coastline curving toward the Costa Blanca. Notable sights include: Santa Bárbara Castle on Mount Benacantil, Alicante marina and harbor, Mediterranean coastline, distant Sierra de Aitana peaks.
How long is the flight from Manchester to Alicante?
The flight from Manchester (MAN) to Alicante (ALC) takes about 2 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,044 miles (1,681 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Manchester to Alicante flight path pass over?
French Atlantic coastline near Arcachon Bay/Bordeaux, followed by the western Pyrenees foothills near the France-Spain border and the Ebro valley around Zaragoza