The right side wins overall on the strength of the extraordinary volcanic departure view over Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl, which is rarer and more visually striking than the ocean-dominated cruise or the London approach; the left side's advantage is confined to the final few minutes of landing.
Flight Path
Gulf of Mexico coastline near departure, then a long crossing of the North Atlantic Ocean with no land visible for several hours before reaching the coast of Ireland or southwest England ahead of descent
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MEX
RIGHTMEX departs northeast on runway 05L, and the initial climb puts the volcanoes Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl squarely on the right side, southeast of the Valley of Mexico. This is one of the most dramatic departure views in North American commercial aviation, with snow-capped peaks and the sprawl of Mexico City below.
Landing at LHR
LEFTDuring typical westerly operations at LHR, arrivals track in from the east and often follow the Thames corridor before turning onto final approach, putting central London and the river on the left side of the aircraft. Passengers get a clear look at the city's skyline and the winding Thames before landing.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Licenciado Benito Juarez International (MEX) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Mexico City to London. The right side wins overall on the strength of the extraordinary volcanic departure view over Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl, which is rarer and more visually striking than the ocean-dominated cruise or the London approach; the left side's advantage is confined to the final few minutes of landing.
What can I see during takeoff from Licenciado Benito Juarez International in Mexico City?
During takeoff from Licenciado Benito Juarez International (MEX), sit on the Right side for the best views. MEX departs northeast on runway 05L, and the initial climb puts the volcanoes Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl squarely on the right side, southeast of the Valley of Mexico. This is one of the most dramatic departure views in North American commercial aviation, with snow-capped peaks and the sprawl of Mexico City below. Notable sights include: Popocatépetl volcano, Iztaccíhuatl volcano, Valley of Mexico basin, Mexico City urban sprawl.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. During typical westerly operations at LHR, arrivals track in from the east and often follow the Thames corridor before turning onto final approach, putting central London and the river on the left side of the aircraft. Passengers get a clear look at the city's skyline and the winding Thames before landing. Notable sights include: River Thames, Canary Wharf towers, central London skyline, Windsor Great Park.
How long is the flight from Mexico City to London?
The flight from Licenciado Benito Juarez International (MEX) to Heathrow (LHR) takes 10h 55m.
What does the Mexico City to London flight path pass over?
Gulf of Mexico coastline near departure, then a long crossing of the North Atlantic Ocean with no land visible for several hours before reaching the coast of Ireland or southwest England ahead of descent