Right side dominates the outbound leg with Porto Santo's volcanic scenery and Atlantic views. While left wins on landing, the takeoff experience is more visually dramatic and sustained, making right the overall choice for this route.
Flown PXO to LGW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Porto Santo to London is 1,491 miles (2,400 km), a flight of about 3 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Bay of Biscay heading northeast. Around the midpoint (roughly 2.5 hours out), you'll be over open Atlantic with occasional glimpses of the Iberian Peninsula's northwest coast (Galicia/Portugal) on the left side at distance. The English Channel becomes visible about 45 minutes before landing, with the Cornish and Devon coastlines appearing on the left during final descent into southern England.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PXO
RIGHTRight side offers views of Porto Santo's dramatic volcanic terrain and the Atlantic coastline as you climb northeastward. The left side faces inland toward less distinctive plateau landscape.
Landing at LGW
LEFTLeft side provides excellent views of southern England's landscape during descent into Gatwick. You'll see the Sussex Weald, Surrey Hills, and the distinctive patchwork of English farmland and forests before final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Porto Santo (PXO) to Gatwick (LGW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Porto Santo to London. Right side dominates the outbound leg with Porto Santo's volcanic scenery and Atlantic views. While left wins on landing, the takeoff experience is more visually dramatic and sustained, making right the overall choice for this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Porto Santo in Porto Santo?
During takeoff from Porto Santo (PXO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers views of Porto Santo's dramatic volcanic terrain and the Atlantic coastline as you climb northeastward. The left side faces inland toward less distinctive plateau landscape. Notable sights include: Porto Santo's volcanic peaks, Atlantic Ocean coastline, Desertas Islands (visible to the southeast on clear days), Madeira's northern cliffs.
What can I see when landing at Gatwick in London?
When landing at Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side provides excellent views of southern England's landscape during descent into Gatwick. You'll see the Sussex Weald, Surrey Hills, and the distinctive patchwork of English farmland and forests before final approach. Notable sights include: Surrey Hills and North Downs, English Channel coastline (visible on clear days), Weald farmland patchwork, London's urban sprawl to the north.
How long is the flight from Porto Santo to London?
The flight from Porto Santo (PXO) to Gatwick (LGW) takes about 3 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,491 miles (2,400 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Porto Santo to London flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Bay of Biscay heading northeast. Around the midpoint (roughly 2.5 hours out), you'll be over open Atlantic with occasional glimpses of the Iberian Peninsula's northwest coast (Galicia/Portugal) on the left side at distance. The English Channel becomes visible about 45 minutes before landing, with the Cornish and Devon coastlines appearing on the left during final descent into southern England.