The left side wins overall because it captures Porto's dramatic river-mouth and coastal scenery at departure plus glimpses of the Bay of Biscay and Brittany coastline during cruise, giving more sustained and varied scenery than the right side's brief London view near landing.
Flown OPO to LGW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Porto to London is 794 miles (1,279 km), a flight of about 2 hours 25 minutes.
Galician coastline near Vigo, Bay of Biscay, Brittany peninsula's western edge, English Channel crossing near Cherbourg
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from OPO
LEFTOPO's runway sits just west of Porto city, so climbing out on the prevailing southerly departure and turning back toward the north puts the Douro River estuary, Foz do Douro, and the Atlantic coastline right beneath the left-side windows. The right side mostly shows inland farmland with less definition.
Landing at LGW
RIGHTArrivals into Gatwick from the south typically cross Sussex and Surrey before turning to line up on runway 26, and on a clear day the London skyline is visible in the distance to the north on the right side. The left side during this same turn faces mostly open countryside with fewer distinguishing features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Porto (OPO) to Gatwick (LGW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Porto to London. The left side wins overall because it captures Porto's dramatic river-mouth and coastal scenery at departure plus glimpses of the Bay of Biscay and Brittany coastline during cruise, giving more sustained and varied scenery than the right side's brief London view near landing.
What can I see during takeoff from Porto in Porto?
During takeoff from Porto (OPO), sit on the Left side for the best views. OPO's runway sits just west of Porto city, so climbing out on the prevailing southerly departure and turning back toward the north puts the Douro River estuary, Foz do Douro, and the Atlantic coastline right beneath the left-side windows. The right side mostly shows inland farmland with less definition. Notable sights include: Douro River estuary, Porto's historic riverside district, Foz do Douro beaches, Atlantic coastline near Matosinhos.
What can I see when landing at Gatwick in London?
When landing at Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arrivals into Gatwick from the south typically cross Sussex and Surrey before turning to line up on runway 26, and on a clear day the London skyline is visible in the distance to the north on the right side. The left side during this same turn faces mostly open countryside with fewer distinguishing features. Notable sights include: North Downs ridge, Surrey and Sussex farmland, distant London skyline (Canary Wharf, central London towers), Gatwick's surrounding woodland.
How long is the flight from Porto to London?
The flight from Porto (OPO) to Gatwick (LGW) takes about 2 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 794 miles (1,279 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Porto to London flight path pass over?
Galician coastline near Vigo, Bay of Biscay, Brittany peninsula's western edge, English Channel crossing near Cherbourg