While takeoff offers coastal views, the landing approach into London City Airport provides more dramatic and iconic scenery with the Thames, historic bridges, and London's skyline. The approach descent offers superior visual interest for most of the flight's final hour.
Flown MCO to LCY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Orlando to London is 4,349 miles (7,000 km), a flight of about 7 hours 15 minutes.
The flight crosses the Atlantic over open ocean for approximately 5 hours with no significant landmarks. The eastern approach crosses the Irish coast (County Cork or County Waterford region), then the Welsh coast near Pembrokeshire, before following the Thames estuary into London. The North Atlantic, Irish coastline, and Welsh valleys are the primary geographic features along the route.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MCO
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Atlantic coast and the Florida peninsula as the aircraft climbs eastbound. You'll see the Orlando urban area receding inland while the coastline becomes visible in the distance.
Landing at LCY
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the westbound approach to London City Airport. You'll see the Thames River winding through London, with the City of London financial district and Tower Bridge visible as the aircraft descends toward the airport on the Thames.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Orlando International (MCO) to City (LCY)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Orlando to London. While takeoff offers coastal views, the landing approach into London City Airport provides more dramatic and iconic scenery with the Thames, historic bridges, and London's skyline. The approach descent offers superior visual interest for most of the flight's final hour.
What can I see during takeoff from Orlando International in Orlando?
During takeoff from Orlando International (MCO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Atlantic coast and the Florida peninsula as the aircraft climbs eastbound. You'll see the Orlando urban area receding inland while the coastline becomes visible in the distance. Notable sights include: Atlantic Ocean, Florida coastline, Lake Apopka, Orlando metropolitan area.
What can I see when landing at City in London?
When landing at City (LCY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the westbound approach to London City Airport. You'll see the Thames River winding through London, with the City of London financial district and Tower Bridge visible as the aircraft descends toward the airport on the Thames. Notable sights include: River Thames, City of London skyline, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf.
How long is the flight from Orlando to London?
The flight from Orlando International (MCO) to City (LCY) takes about 7 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,349 miles (7,000 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Orlando to London flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Atlantic over open ocean for approximately 5 hours with no significant landmarks. The eastern approach crosses the Irish coast (County Cork or County Waterford region), then the Welsh coast near Pembrokeshire, before following the Thames estuary into London. The North Atlantic, Irish coastline, and Welsh valleys are the primary geographic features along the route.