Left side wins at both ends of the flight. Over the Atlantic cruise there is little to differentiate sides, but the left seat delivers the Caribbean coastline on departure and the London panorama on arrival, making it the clear choice for the full journey.
Flown PUJ to LGW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Punta Cana to London is 4,286 miles (6,897 km), a flight of about 9 hours 45 minutes.
The route tracks northwest from Hispaniola, crossing the Turks and Caicos and the Bahamas archipelago in the first hour where shallow Bahamian banks appear as vivid turquoise from altitude. The flight then crosses the open North Atlantic for the majority of the route with no land visible. Approaching Europe, the Azores may be visible far to the south depending on routing. The coast of Portugal or northwest Spain comes into view before crossing the Bay of Biscay, then the English Channel and the green fields of southern England on descent.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from PUJ
LEFTPUJ's primary runway 08/26 means departures heading west-northwest give the left (south) side views over the Caribbean coastline and the turquoise shallows of the Punta Cana resort strip. The right side faces inland scrubland with little of interest.
Landing at LGW
LEFTGatwick's runway 08L/26R means arrivals typically come in from the east or southeast, putting the left side over central London during the descent. You get a clear view of the Thames, the City, and Canary Wharf as the aircraft tracks the ILS approach over Surrey.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Punta Cana International (PUJ) to Gatwick (LGW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Punta Cana to London. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. Over the Atlantic cruise there is little to differentiate sides, but the left seat delivers the Caribbean coastline on departure and the London panorama on arrival, making it the clear choice for the full journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Punta Cana International in Punta Cana?
During takeoff from Punta Cana International (PUJ), sit on the Left side for the best views. PUJ's primary runway 08/26 means departures heading west-northwest give the left (south) side views over the Caribbean coastline and the turquoise shallows of the Punta Cana resort strip. The right side faces inland scrubland with little of interest. Notable sights include: Bavaro Beach coastline, Cap Cana marina and breakwater, shallow Caribbean reef systems visible as turquoise patches, Saona Island in the far distance to the southwest.
What can I see when landing at Gatwick in London?
When landing at Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Gatwick's runway 08L/26R means arrivals typically come in from the east or southeast, putting the left side over central London during the descent. You get a clear view of the Thames, the City, and Canary Wharf as the aircraft tracks the ILS approach over Surrey. Notable sights include: River Thames snaking through central London, Canary Wharf tower cluster, the North Downs ridge of Surrey below, M25 motorway visible as a broad grey arc.
How long is the flight from Punta Cana to London?
The flight from Punta Cana International (PUJ) to Gatwick (LGW) takes about 9 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,286 miles (6,897 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Punta Cana to London flight path pass over?
The route tracks northwest from Hispaniola, crossing the Turks and Caicos and the Bahamas archipelago in the first hour where shallow Bahamian banks appear as vivid turquoise from altitude. The flight then crosses the open North Atlantic for the majority of the route with no land visible. Approaching Europe, the Azores may be visible far to the south depending on routing. The coast of Portugal or northwest Spain comes into view before crossing the Bay of Biscay, then the English Channel and the green fields of southern England on descent.