The right side offers the London skyline glimpse at departure and, more importantly, tracks closer to the Atlantic-facing coastline of western France, Spain, and Portugal during cruise, giving more varied and dramatic scenery than the left side's interior Iberian plains.
Flown STN to FAO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Faro is 1,103 miles (1,774 km), a flight of about 2 hours 45 minutes.
Bay of Biscay coastline near Bordeaux, western Spanish/Portuguese border highlands, Tagus river valley near Lisbon before descent into the Algarve
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from STN
RIGHTDeparting Stansted on a southwesterly track toward France and Iberia, the initial turn brings London into view on the right-hand side before the aircraft continues south. Passengers get a brief but recognizable glimpse of the London skyline and the Thames estuary area before climbing above cloud over flat East Anglian/Home Counties farmland.
Landing at FAO
LEFTOn approach to Faro from the east for runway 28, the aircraft tracks along the Algarve coastline with the Atlantic Ocean and the Ria Formosa lagoon system visible on the left side. This gives passengers a clear view of the barrier islands, lagoon channels, and the whitewashed coastal towns before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Stansted (STN) to Faro (FAO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Faro. The right side offers the London skyline glimpse at departure and, more importantly, tracks closer to the Atlantic-facing coastline of western France, Spain, and Portugal during cruise, giving more varied and dramatic scenery than the left side's interior Iberian plains.
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 a southwesterly track toward France and Iberia, the initial turn brings London into view on the right-hand side before the aircraft continues south. Passengers get a brief but recognizable glimpse of the London skyline and the Thames estuary area before climbing above cloud over flat East Anglian/Home Counties farmland. Notable sights include: London skyline (Shard, Canary Wharf), Thames Estuary, Essex farmland patchwork.
What can I see when landing at Faro in Faro?
When landing at Faro (FAO), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to Faro from the east for runway 28, the aircraft tracks along the Algarve coastline with the Atlantic Ocean and the Ria Formosa lagoon system visible on the left side. This gives passengers a clear view of the barrier islands, lagoon channels, and the whitewashed coastal towns before touchdown. Notable sights include: Ria Formosa lagoon and barrier islands, Atlantic coastline, Faro old town, Algarve coastal towns.
How long is the flight from London to Faro?
The flight from Stansted (STN) to Faro (FAO) takes about 2 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,103 miles (1,774 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Faro flight path pass over?
Bay of Biscay coastline near Bordeaux, western Spanish/Portuguese border highlands, Tagus river valley near Lisbon before descent into the Algarve