While takeoff favors the right for UK coastal views, the landing approach on the left provides superior views of Morocco's distinctive geography—the Atlas Mountains, river valleys, and Fez's dramatic hillside setting. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
Flown STN to FEZ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Fez is 1,268 miles (2,040 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The flight crosses the English Channel (visible 30 minutes after takeoff), then the Normandy and Brittany coasts of France. The Bay of Biscay occupies the mid-flight period with open ocean. Around the 1.5-hour mark, the Spanish coast near Galicia or northern Portugal becomes visible. The final approach crosses the Atlantic coastal plains of Morocco before reaching the Atlas foothills near Fez.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from STN
RIGHTStansted typically departs eastbound (Runway 22) or westbound (Runway 04). For either direction, right-side seats offer the best views of the Essex coastline and North Sea approaches. Eastbound departures give views of the Thames Estuary and Kent coast; westbound departures show the Midlands and Welsh borders receding.
Landing at FEZ
LEFTFez Saiss Airport (Runway 11/29) typically receives aircraft from the north. Left-side seats during descent offer views of the Middle Atlas Mountains, the Sebou River valley, and the city of Fez itself nestled in the hills. The approach path crosses the distinctive terrain of northern Morocco's plateau and mountain transitions.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Stansted (STN) to Saiss (FEZ)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Fez. While takeoff favors the right for UK coastal views, the landing approach on the left provides superior views of Morocco's distinctive geography—the Atlas Mountains, river valleys, and Fez's dramatic hillside setting. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from Stansted in London?
During takeoff from Stansted (STN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Stansted typically departs eastbound (Runway 22) or westbound (Runway 04). For either direction, right-side seats offer the best views of the Essex coastline and North Sea approaches. Eastbound departures give views of the Thames Estuary and Kent coast; westbound departures show the Midlands and Welsh borders receding. Notable sights include: Thames Estuary, North Sea, Essex flatlands, Colchester area.
What can I see when landing at Saiss in Fez?
When landing at Saiss (FEZ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Fez Saiss Airport (Runway 11/29) typically receives aircraft from the north. Left-side seats during descent offer views of the Middle Atlas Mountains, the Sebou River valley, and the city of Fez itself nestled in the hills. The approach path crosses the distinctive terrain of northern Morocco's plateau and mountain transitions. Notable sights include: Middle Atlas Mountains, Sebou River valley, Fez medina and city, pre-Saharan plateau.
How long is the flight from London to Fez?
The flight from Stansted (STN) to Saiss (FEZ) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,268 miles (2,040 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Fez flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the English Channel (visible 30 minutes after takeoff), then the Normandy and Brittany coasts of France. The Bay of Biscay occupies the mid-flight period with open ocean. Around the 1.5-hour mark, the Spanish coast near Galicia or northern Portugal becomes visible. The final approach crosses the Atlantic coastal plains of Morocco before reaching the Atlas foothills near Fez.