About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Diego to London. The right side wins overall because the San Diego departure view is genuinely spectacular — San Diego Bay, Coronado, and the coastline are among the best urban departure views in the US. The London arrival on the left is excellent but the right side also gets decent Thames views on approach. The San Diego departure tips it to right.
What can I see during takeoff from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld in San Diego?
During takeoff from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN), sit on the Right side for the best views. SAN's primary departure runway 27 heads west over the bay, then aircraft turn northbound. Right side gives you San Diego Bay, Coronado Island, and the downtown skyline as you climb out. Left side faces inland toward Mission Hills and gets the less dramatic view. Notable sights include: San Diego Bay and Coronado Island, downtown San Diego skyline, Point Loma peninsula, Pacific Ocean coastline stretching north toward La Jolla.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Heathrow's primary arrival runway 27L/27R brings aircraft in from the east over London. Left side gives you the Thames, central London landmarks, and the City of London as you descend. Right side looks north toward suburban Hertfordshire with far less to see. Notable sights include: River Thames winding through central London, City of London and Canary Wharf tower clusters, Windsor Castle and Windsor Great Park to the west, M25 motorway ring visible as a broad arc.
How long is the flight from San Diego to London?
The flight from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) to Heathrow (LHR) takes Approximately 10 to 11 hours nonstop, typically routing via a polar or near-polar great circle track.
What does the San Diego to London flight path pass over?
Departing north along the California coast past Los Angeles and the Sierra Nevada to the east, then crossing the Rocky Mountains over Nevada and Utah, continuing over the Great Plains, crossing the Canadian prairies over Manitoba and Ontario, then arcing northeast over Hudson Bay, Greenland's ice sheet visible to the north, crossing the North Atlantic, passing south of Iceland, then descending over Ireland and Wales into England