New Orleans to London is 4,620 miles (7,435 km), a flight of about 8 hours 45 minutes.
While the New Orleans departure offers a nice but brief city-and-lake view, the Heathrow arrival's over-London approach is a genuinely rare and celebrated scenic sequence, giving the right side the edge for the full flight.
Flight Path
Open North Atlantic Ocean, with the flight path passing near the southern Irish coast (County Kerry/Cork) and the Irish Sea before crossing into Wales and southern England.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MSY
LEFTDeparting MSY, the aircraft typically climbs out over Lake Pontchartrain and banks toward the northeast track for the Atlantic crossing, putting New Orleans' skyline, the Mississippi River bends, and the lake's causeway on the left side during the turn.
Landing at LHR
RIGHTWhen Heathrow runs westerly operations (the majority of the time), inbound aircraft loop in from the east and fly directly over central London before landing, and on this approach the Thames, Canary Wharf, and the London Eye typically appear on the right side of the cabin.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New Orleans to London. While the New Orleans departure offers a nice but brief city-and-lake view, the Heathrow arrival's over-London approach is a genuinely rare and celebrated scenic sequence, giving the right side the edge for the full flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International in New Orleans?
During takeoff from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing MSY, the aircraft typically climbs out over Lake Pontchartrain and banks toward the northeast track for the Atlantic crossing, putting New Orleans' skyline, the Mississippi River bends, and the lake's causeway on the left side during the turn. Notable sights include: Lake Pontchartrain, New Orleans downtown skyline, Mississippi River, Lake Pontchartrain Causeway.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. When Heathrow runs westerly operations (the majority of the time), inbound aircraft loop in from the east and fly directly over central London before landing, and on this approach the Thames, Canary Wharf, and the London Eye typically appear on the right side of the cabin. Notable sights include: River Thames, Canary Wharf towers, London Eye and Westminster, Wembley Stadium.
How long is the flight from New Orleans to London?
The flight from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) to Heathrow (LHR) takes about 8 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,620 miles (7,435 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New Orleans to London flight path pass over?
Open North Atlantic Ocean, with the flight path passing near the southern Irish coast (County Kerry/Cork) and the Irish Sea before crossing into Wales and southern England.