While takeoff favors the right side with Melbourne's bay and skyline, the left side wins overall because the London arrival sequence delivers a much more dramatic and recognizable urban panorama, outweighing the relatively brief coastal view at departure over many hours of largely featureless ocean and desert cruise.
Flown MEL to LHR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Melbourne to London is 10,506 miles (16,908 km), a flight of about 21 hours 40 minutes.
Central Australian outback plains, the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Peninsula's Hajar Mountains and Persian Gulf coastline, and the Alps or Balkan ranges depending on the European routing segment
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MEL
RIGHTDeparting Melbourne on runway 34, aircraft climb southward over Port Phillip Bay before banking west/northwest toward the interior, putting the bay, the Mornington Peninsula coastline, and the Melbourne CBD skyline on the right side of the aircraft.
Landing at LHR
LEFTOn the standard easterly approach into Heathrow, aircraft track west along or near the Thames corridor before turning onto final approach, giving passengers on the left side sweeping views of Central London including the river bends, the London Eye, and Canary Wharf's towers.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Melbourne International (MEL) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Melbourne to London. While takeoff favors the right side with Melbourne's bay and skyline, the left side wins overall because the London arrival sequence delivers a much more dramatic and recognizable urban panorama, outweighing the relatively brief coastal view at departure over many hours of largely featureless ocean and desert cruise.
What can I see during takeoff from Melbourne International in Melbourne?
During takeoff from Melbourne International (MEL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Melbourne on runway 34, aircraft climb southward over Port Phillip Bay before banking west/northwest toward the interior, putting the bay, the Mornington Peninsula coastline, and the Melbourne CBD skyline on the right side of the aircraft. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne CBD skyline, Mornington Peninsula coastline, Westgate Bridge area.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the standard easterly approach into Heathrow, aircraft track west along or near the Thames corridor before turning onto final approach, giving passengers on the left side sweeping views of Central London including the river bends, the London Eye, and Canary Wharf's towers. Notable sights include: River Thames, London Eye, Canary Wharf towers, Houses of Parliament.
How long is the flight from Melbourne to London?
The flight from Melbourne International (MEL) to Heathrow (LHR) takes about 21 hours 40 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?
Central Australian outback plains, the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Peninsula's Hajar Mountains and Persian Gulf coastline, and the Alps or Balkan ranges depending on the European routing segment