While the takeoff offers limited scenery from a small island airport, the landing approach into Heathrow provides significantly more visual interest with London's urban landscape, the Thames River, and surrounding geography. Left-side seats capture this superior landing view.
Flown PXO to LHR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Porto Santo to London is 1,501 miles (2,416 km), a flight of about 3 hours 30 minutes.
Bay of Biscay (open Atlantic waters), Cornish and Devon coastlines (southwestern England), Severn Estuary (visible on approach to UK airspace), Cotswold Hills and Thames Valley (during descent into southeast England)
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PXO
RIGHTPorto Santo is a small island airport with limited terrain variation. Right-side seats face northeast toward the open Atlantic initially, then northwest toward mainland Portugal and the Iberian Peninsula as the aircraft climbs and turns toward the UK. Left-side seats face southwest over open ocean with minimal visual interest.
Landing at LHR
LEFTThe standard approach to Heathrow from the southwest brings aircraft over the Thames Valley and Greater London. Left-side seats face north and northeast toward central London, the Thames, and the urban sprawl of the capital. Right-side seats face south toward the Chiltern Hills and outer suburbs with less dramatic urban scenery.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Porto Santo (PXO) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Porto Santo to London. While the takeoff offers limited scenery from a small island airport, the landing approach into Heathrow provides significantly more visual interest with London's urban landscape, the Thames River, and surrounding geography. Left-side seats capture this superior landing view.
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. Porto Santo is a small island airport with limited terrain variation. Right-side seats face northeast toward the open Atlantic initially, then northwest toward mainland Portugal and the Iberian Peninsula as the aircraft climbs and turns toward the UK. Left-side seats face southwest over open ocean with minimal visual interest. Notable sights include: Atlantic Ocean (immediate departure), Madeira Island chain (visible to the southeast at distance during initial climb), Portuguese mainland coastline (visible to the northeast as aircraft gains altitude and turns).
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. The standard approach to Heathrow from the southwest brings aircraft over the Thames Valley and Greater London. Left-side seats face north and northeast toward central London, the Thames, and the urban sprawl of the capital. Right-side seats face south toward the Chiltern Hills and outer suburbs with less dramatic urban scenery. Notable sights include: River Thames (winding through London), Greater London urban area (dense cityscape), Chiltern Hills (low wooded ridges to the south), Windsor Castle area (visible to the west before final approach).
How long is the flight from Porto Santo to London?
The flight from Porto Santo (PXO) to Heathrow (LHR) takes about 3 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,501 miles (2,416 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Porto Santo to London flight path pass over?
Bay of Biscay (open Atlantic waters), Cornish and Devon coastlines (southwestern England), Severn Estuary (visible on approach to UK airspace), Cotswold Hills and Thames Valley (during descent into southeast England)