While Melbourne's takeoff offers urban and water scenery, the 17-hour flight is dominated by 12+ hours of open Indian and Atlantic Ocean with minimal landmarks. The right side benefits from a superior landing sequence over the Weald and North Downs, plus slightly better cruise-phase views of southern Europe (Iberian Peninsula, Mediterranean coast, Alps) during the descent phase. Left side faces the same ocean monotony and offers less dramatic approach scenery.
Flown MEB to LGW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Melbourne to London is 10,506 miles (16,908 km), a flight of about 17 hours 15 minutes.
Indian Ocean (12+ hours), Red Sea and Suez Canal region (Egypt), Mediterranean Sea, southern Spain (Iberian Peninsula), southern France, Alps (distant, northern horizon during cruise), English Channel, North Downs and Weald of Kent (approach phase)
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MEB
LEFTMelbourne Essendon's location near the Yarra River and Port Phillip Bay means left-side departures (northwestward on runway 26) offer immediate views of urban Melbourne and water features. Right-side departures show suburban sprawl and flat terrain.
Landing at LGW
RIGHTApproaching London Gatwick from the southeast typically involves descent over the Weald of Kent and Sussex, with views of rolling countryside, the North Downs, and the Thames Valley. Right-side passengers see these features clearly during the approach turn and final descent into runway 26 (westward).
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Melbourne Essendon (MEB) to Gatwick (LGW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Melbourne to London. While Melbourne's takeoff offers urban and water scenery, the 17-hour flight is dominated by 12+ hours of open Indian and Atlantic Ocean with minimal landmarks. The right side benefits from a superior landing sequence over the Weald and North Downs, plus slightly better cruise-phase views of southern Europe (Iberian Peninsula, Mediterranean coast, Alps) during the descent phase. Left side faces the same ocean monotony and offers less dramatic approach scenery.
What can I see during takeoff from Melbourne Essendon in Melbourne?
During takeoff from Melbourne Essendon (MEB), sit on the Left side for the best views. Melbourne Essendon's location near the Yarra River and Port Phillip Bay means left-side departures (northwestward on runway 26) offer immediate views of urban Melbourne and water features. Right-side departures show suburban sprawl and flat terrain. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay shoreline, Yarra River estuary, Melbourne CBD skyline, Dandenong Ranges foothills to the east.
What can I see when landing at Gatwick in London?
When landing at Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Approaching London Gatwick from the southeast typically involves descent over the Weald of Kent and Sussex, with views of rolling countryside, the North Downs, and the Thames Valley. Right-side passengers see these features clearly during the approach turn and final descent into runway 26 (westward). Notable sights include: North Downs ridge, Weald of Kent rolling hills, Thames Valley, Gatwick airport and surrounding Surrey countryside.
How long is the flight from Melbourne to London?
The flight from Melbourne Essendon (MEB) to Gatwick (LGW) takes about 17 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 10,506 miles (16,908 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Melbourne to London flight path pass over?
Indian Ocean (12+ hours), Red Sea and Suez Canal region (Egypt), Mediterranean Sea, southern Spain (Iberian Peninsula), southern France, Alps (distant, northern horizon during cruise), English Channel, North Downs and Weald of Kent (approach phase)