The right side wins because it offers the only real scenic payoff on this short route: a brief glimpse of London during the turn after takeoff, and the Alpine foothills, Lake Iseo, and Bergamo's old town during the descent. The left side is dominated by flat farmland in both England and the Po Valley.
Flown STN to BGY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Bergamo is 608 miles (978 km), a flight of about 2 hours 5 minutes.
Cruise passes over the Champagne and Burgundy countryside of eastern France, the Jura mountains, and the northern edge of the Alps near the Franco-Swiss border before descending into the Lombardy plain.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from STN
RIGHTDeparting Stansted on runway 22 the aircraft climbs southwest before turning onto its southeastern track toward the Channel, and during that turn London's skyline - The Shard, Canary Wharf, the Thames bends - becomes briefly visible off to the right. The left side only shows the flat, featureless Essex countryside.
Landing at BGY
RIGHTOn the descent into Bergamo the route crosses the southern fringe of the Alps, and depending on the runway in use (10 or 28) the foothills, the Bergamo Pre-Alps, and glimpses of Lake Iseo tend to sit on the right side of the cabin as the aircraft lines up over the Lombardy plain. The left side mostly shows the flat, uniform farmland of the Po Valley.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Stansted (STN) to Bergamo Orio Al Serio (BGY)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Bergamo. The right side wins because it offers the only real scenic payoff on this short route: a brief glimpse of London during the turn after takeoff, and the Alpine foothills, Lake Iseo, and Bergamo's old town during the descent. The left side is dominated by flat farmland in both England and the Po Valley.
What can I see during takeoff from Stansted in London?
During takeoff from Stansted (STN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Stansted on runway 22 the aircraft climbs southwest before turning onto its southeastern track toward the Channel, and during that turn London's skyline - The Shard, Canary Wharf, the Thames bends - becomes briefly visible off to the right. The left side only shows the flat, featureless Essex countryside. Notable sights include: London skyline (The Shard, Canary Wharf), River Thames, Essex farmland.
What can I see when landing at Bergamo Orio Al Serio in Bergamo?
When landing at Bergamo Orio Al Serio (BGY), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the descent into Bergamo the route crosses the southern fringe of the Alps, and depending on the runway in use (10 or 28) the foothills, the Bergamo Pre-Alps, and glimpses of Lake Iseo tend to sit on the right side of the cabin as the aircraft lines up over the Lombardy plain. The left side mostly shows the flat, uniform farmland of the Po Valley. Notable sights include: Bergamo Pre-Alps foothills, Lake Iseo, Po Valley plain, Bergamo's Città Alta walled hilltop town.
How long is the flight from London to Bergamo?
The flight from Stansted (STN) to Bergamo Orio Al Serio (BGY) takes about 2 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 608 miles (978 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Bergamo flight path pass over?
Cruise passes over the Champagne and Burgundy countryside of eastern France, the Jura mountains, and the northern edge of the Alps near the Franco-Swiss border before descending into the Lombardy plain.