Santiago to London is 699 miles (1,126 km), a flight of about 2 hours 5 minutes.
The takeoff from Santiago offers more dramatic and distinctive scenery with the Atlantic coastline and rias system. While the Heathrow landing on the left is pleasant, the Galician coastal geography is more visually striking and memorable.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the Bay of Biscay (relatively featureless at altitude), then passes over Brittany's rocky coastline and inland plateau. Over the English Channel, the white cliffs of Dover and the Sussex coast become visible. The Cotswolds and Thames Valley appear before descent into London. The most notable midpoint feature is the English Channel crossing itself—the narrow water body separating France from England, typically visible for 20-30 minutes of flight time.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SCQ
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Atlantic coastline and the Galician rias (coastal inlets) as the aircraft climbs northwest from Santiago. The left side faces inland toward less dramatic terrain.
Landing at LHR
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Heathrow, including the Thames estuary, London's urban sprawl, and the Chiltern Hills. The right side faces less scenic terrain over the Midlands.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Santiago (SCQ) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Santiago to London. The takeoff from Santiago offers more dramatic and distinctive scenery with the Atlantic coastline and rias system. While the Heathrow landing on the left is pleasant, the Galician coastal geography is more visually striking and memorable.
What can I see during takeoff from Santiago in Santiago?
During takeoff from Santiago (SCQ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Atlantic coastline and the Galician rias (coastal inlets) as the aircraft climbs northwest from Santiago. The left side faces inland toward less dramatic terrain. Notable sights include: Atlantic Ocean coastline, Galician rias system, Douro River valley to the southeast, Sierra de Gredos mountains (distant, southeastern horizon).
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Heathrow, including the Thames estuary, London's urban sprawl, and the Chiltern Hills. The right side faces less scenic terrain over the Midlands. Notable sights include: Thames estuary and river meanders, London metropolitan area (visible as dense urban grid), Chiltern Hills (chalk escarpment to the northwest), Windsor Castle area and Home Counties green belt.
How long is the flight from Santiago to London?
The flight from Santiago (SCQ) to Heathrow (LHR) takes about 2 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 699 miles (1,126 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Santiago to London flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Bay of Biscay (relatively featureless at altitude), then passes over Brittany's rocky coastline and inland plateau. Over the English Channel, the white cliffs of Dover and the Sussex coast become visible. The Cotswolds and Thames Valley appear before descent into London. The most notable midpoint feature is the English Channel crossing itself—the narrow water body separating France from England, typically visible for 20-30 minutes of flight time.