Right seats offer superior views on both legs: the San Francisco Bay area during departure (though left is better for takeoff) and London's Thames and central cityscape during arrival. The landing view of London's geography outweighs the takeoff advantage of the left side.
Flown OAK to LHR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Oakland to London is 5,343 miles (8,599 km), a flight of about 10 hours 45 minutes.
The flight path crosses the North American continent (Rocky Mountains visible on clear days over Colorado/Wyoming), then the Atlantic Ocean for 5+ hours with occasional Greenland ice sheet views on northern routing, before approaching the UK over the Irish Sea and Wales. The Great Circle route passes north of Iceland and south of Greenland depending on weather routing.
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpg?width=600)
.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from OAK
LEFTOAK typically departs westbound (runways 27L/27R). Left seats face north toward the San Francisco Bay, offering immediate views of the bay's eastern shoreline, the Oakland Hills, and on clear days, the Golden Gate Bridge area in the distance.
Landing at LHR
RIGHTHeathrow uses runways 27L/27R for westerly operations (most common) or 09L/09R for easterly. On westerly approaches, right seats face north toward central London and the Thames. On easterly approaches (less common), right seats face south toward the Chiltern Hills. Westerly is statistically more frequent, making right seats the better choice for views of London's geography.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Metropolitan Oakland International (OAK) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Oakland to London. Right seats offer superior views on both legs: the San Francisco Bay area during departure (though left is better for takeoff) and London's Thames and central cityscape during arrival. The landing view of London's geography outweighs the takeoff advantage of the left side.
What can I see during takeoff from Metropolitan Oakland International in Oakland?
During takeoff from Metropolitan Oakland International (OAK), sit on the Left side for the best views. OAK typically departs westbound (runways 27L/27R). Left seats face north toward the San Francisco Bay, offering immediate views of the bay's eastern shoreline, the Oakland Hills, and on clear days, the Golden Gate Bridge area in the distance. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay (immediate view), Oakland Hills (east-facing slopes), Diablo Range (distant southeastern horizon), San Mateo Bridge (visible spanning the bay to the south).
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Heathrow uses runways 27L/27R for westerly operations (most common) or 09L/09R for easterly. On westerly approaches, right seats face north toward central London and the Thames. On easterly approaches (less common), right seats face south toward the Chiltern Hills. Westerly is statistically more frequent, making right seats the better choice for views of London's geography. Notable sights include: The River Thames (winding through London), Central London skyline (including the City district), Windsor Castle area (southwest of airport), Chiltern Hills (north and east).
How long is the flight from Oakland to London?
The flight from Metropolitan Oakland International (OAK) to Heathrow (LHR) takes about 10 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,343 miles (8,599 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Oakland to London flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North American continent (Rocky Mountains visible on clear days over Colorado/Wyoming), then the Atlantic Ocean for 5+ hours with occasional Greenland ice sheet views on northern routing, before approaching the UK over the Irish Sea and Wales. The Great Circle route passes north of Iceland and south of Greenland depending on weather routing.