Pittsburgh to London is 3,710 miles (5,971 km), a flight of about 7 hours 10 minutes.
The right side wins on the strength of two genuine landmark sequences — Pittsburgh's river confluence during the departure turn and the Thames/Windsor Castle corridor on the Heathrow approach — while the long mid-Atlantic cruise offers little differentiation between sides.
Flight Path
The route crosses the northeastern US (Pennsylvania, New York, New England), clips the Nova Scotia coastline, then spends several hours over the open North Atlantic before making landfall near southern Ireland and crossing into southern England.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PIT
RIGHTPIT departures typically take off westbound on the 28 runways, away from the city, then bank right through nearly 180 degrees to head northeast toward the UK. That turn swings Pittsburgh's downtown and its three-river confluence into view on the right side before the climb continues over the Allegheny Plateau.
Landing at LHR
RIGHTOn Heathrow's typical westerly approach, arriving aircraft descend from the east over the Thames Estuary and outer London before lining up on final approach through Berkshire. This puts the Thames, the Canary Wharf skyline, and later Windsor Castle in view on the right side as the plane banks onto the runway heading.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Pittsburgh International (PIT) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Pittsburgh to London. The right side wins on the strength of two genuine landmark sequences — Pittsburgh's river confluence during the departure turn and the Thames/Windsor Castle corridor on the Heathrow approach — while the long mid-Atlantic cruise offers little differentiation between sides.
What can I see during takeoff from Pittsburgh International in Pittsburgh?
During takeoff from Pittsburgh International (PIT), sit on the Right side for the best views. PIT departures typically take off westbound on the 28 runways, away from the city, then bank right through nearly 180 degrees to head northeast toward the UK. That turn swings Pittsburgh's downtown and its three-river confluence into view on the right side before the climb continues over the Allegheny Plateau. Notable sights include: Pittsburgh's Golden Triangle (confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers), Point State Park, the wooded ridges of the Allegheny Plateau.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. On Heathrow's typical westerly approach, arriving aircraft descend from the east over the Thames Estuary and outer London before lining up on final approach through Berkshire. This puts the Thames, the Canary Wharf skyline, and later Windsor Castle in view on the right side as the plane banks onto the runway heading. Notable sights include: River Thames and Canary Wharf towers, the sprawl of east and southwest London, Windsor Castle and Windsor Great Park.
How long is the flight from Pittsburgh to London?
The flight from Pittsburgh International (PIT) to Heathrow (LHR) takes about 7 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,710 miles (5,971 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Pittsburgh to London flight path pass over?
The route crosses the northeastern US (Pennsylvania, New York, New England), clips the Nova Scotia coastline, then spends several hours over the open North Atlantic before making landfall near southern Ireland and crossing into southern England.