While takeoff from Ponta Delgada favors the right side for Azores views, the landing approach into Heathrow on the left side is more visually rewarding. The Thames estuary, London's sprawl, and the Chiltern Hills offer more varied and distinctive scenery than the Atlantic crossing, which is mostly open ocean.
Flown PDL to LHR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Ponta Delgada to London is 1,549 miles (2,493 km), a flight of about 3 hours 35 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Atlantic at roughly 51°N latitude, passing north of the Bay of Biscay. En route, you'll cross over open ocean with no significant landmarks visible for most of the mid-Atlantic crossing. As you approach the UK, the Irish Sea becomes visible, followed by the Welsh coast (if the flight path drifts slightly south) or direct approach over the Midlands and Home Counties. The Pennines and Peak District may be visible to the north if weather permits, but the most notable feature is the transition from open water to the densely populated southeast England landscape.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PDL
RIGHTRight-side seats offer immediate views of the Azores archipelago as the aircraft climbs out. You'll see São Miguel island's volcanic terrain and the surrounding Atlantic, with the island's eastern and central peaks visible against the ocean backdrop.
Landing at LHR
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Heathrow. You'll see the Thames estuary, London's urban sprawl, and the approach path over the Home Counties with the Chiltern Hills visible to the northwest.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ponta Delgada (PDL) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Ponta Delgada to London. While takeoff from Ponta Delgada favors the right side for Azores views, the landing approach into Heathrow on the left side is more visually rewarding. The Thames estuary, London's sprawl, and the Chiltern Hills offer more varied and distinctive scenery than the Atlantic crossing, which is mostly open ocean.
What can I see during takeoff from Ponta Delgada in Ponta Delgada?
During takeoff from Ponta Delgada (PDL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer immediate views of the Azores archipelago as the aircraft climbs out. You'll see São Miguel island's volcanic terrain and the surrounding Atlantic, with the island's eastern and central peaks visible against the ocean backdrop. Notable sights include: São Miguel island (volcanic ridgeline), Ponta Delgada city waterfront, Atlantic Ocean, smaller islands of the Azores chain to the east.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Heathrow. You'll see the Thames estuary, London's urban sprawl, and the approach path over the Home Counties with the Chiltern Hills visible to the northwest. Notable sights include: Thames estuary and river bends, London city center and Greater London sprawl, Chiltern Hills (northwest), Windsor area and surrounding green belt.
How long is the flight from Ponta Delgada to London?
The flight from Ponta Delgada (PDL) to Heathrow (LHR) takes about 3 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,549 miles (2,493 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Ponta Delgada to London flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic at roughly 51°N latitude, passing north of the Bay of Biscay. En route, you'll cross over open ocean with no significant landmarks visible for most of the mid-Atlantic crossing. As you approach the UK, the Irish Sea becomes visible, followed by the Welsh coast (if the flight path drifts slightly south) or direct approach over the Midlands and Home Counties. The Pennines and Peak District may be visible to the north if weather permits, but the most notable feature is the transition from open water to the densely populated southeast England landscape.