While left offers good Kansas City departure views, right provides superior scenery for the majority of the flight and especially the dramatic Thames approach into London City. The landing sequence alone makes right the better choice for this transatlantic route.
Flown MCI to LCY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Kansas City to London is 4,345 miles (6,993 km), a flight of about 9 hours.
The flight path crosses the Appalachian Mountains (visible as a ridge system in eastern Kentucky and West Virginia during the first 2-3 hours), then passes over the Atlantic Ocean. Over the ocean, you may see the southern tip of Greenland or Iceland depending on routing, followed by the Irish coast (County Cork or Kerry region), then crossing Wales and the Welsh mountains before descending into England. The North Atlantic crossing occupies roughly 5-6 hours of the flight with limited landmark visibility except for occasional icebergs near Greenland and the dramatic Irish coastline during approach to UK airspace.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MCI
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Missouri River valley and the Kansas City metropolitan area as the aircraft climbs northeastward. You'll see the river's distinctive meanders and the urban sprawl spreading across both Kansas and Missouri.
Landing at LCY
RIGHTRight side provides excellent views during the final approach into London City Airport. You'll see the Thames estuary, the distinctive meanders of the Thames through East London, and the Isle of Dogs peninsula with Canary Wharf's towers clearly visible.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Kansas City International (MCI) to City (LCY)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Kansas City to London. While left offers good Kansas City departure views, right provides superior scenery for the majority of the flight and especially the dramatic Thames approach into London City. The landing sequence alone makes right the better choice for this transatlantic route.
What can I see during takeoff from Kansas City International in Kansas City?
During takeoff from Kansas City International (MCI), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Missouri River valley and the Kansas City metropolitan area as the aircraft climbs northeastward. You'll see the river's distinctive meanders and the urban sprawl spreading across both Kansas and Missouri. Notable sights include: Missouri River, Kansas City downtown skyline, Northland suburban development, Blue River confluence.
What can I see when landing at City in London?
When landing at City (LCY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides excellent views during the final approach into London City Airport. You'll see the Thames estuary, the distinctive meanders of the Thames through East London, and the Isle of Dogs peninsula with Canary Wharf's towers clearly visible. Notable sights include: River Thames with Isle of Dogs, Canary Wharf towers, Greenwich Peninsula, Thames estuary marshlands.
How long is the flight from Kansas City to London?
The flight from Kansas City International (MCI) to City (LCY) takes about 9 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 4,345 miles (6,993 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Kansas City to London flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Appalachian Mountains (visible as a ridge system in eastern Kentucky and West Virginia during the first 2-3 hours), then passes over the Atlantic Ocean. Over the ocean, you may see the southern tip of Greenland or Iceland depending on routing, followed by the Irish coast (County Cork or Kerry region), then crossing Wales and the Welsh mountains before descending into England. The North Atlantic crossing occupies roughly 5-6 hours of the flight with limited landmark visibility except for occasional icebergs near Greenland and the dramatic Irish coastline during approach to UK airspace.