While takeoff favors the right with a glimpse of London, the left side wins overall because of the varied coastal and island scenery during the Baltic crossing and the Helsinki archipelago approach, giving more consistent visual interest across the flight.
Flown STN to HEL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Helsinki is 1,107 miles (1,781 km), a flight of about 3 hours 5 minutes.
The route crosses the North Sea, passes near the German Baltic coast, and traverses the Baltic Sea past the Åland Islands before descending over the Gulf of Finland into Helsinki.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from STN
RIGHTStansted's runway 22 departure sends aircraft southwest before the turn onto the Helsinki routing, briefly putting London's skyline and the Thames estuary into view on the right side. The left side only shows flat Essex and Cambridgeshire farmland during this phase.
Landing at HEL
LEFTOn approach into Helsinki-Vantaa from the northeast, the descent path curves over the Gulf of Finland and the city's coastal archipelago, which stays on the left side as the aircraft lines up for the runway. Passengers get a clear view of Helsinki's harbor islands and the granite coastline before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Stansted (STN) to Helsinki Vantaa (HEL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Helsinki. While takeoff favors the right with a glimpse of London, the left side wins overall because of the varied coastal and island scenery during the Baltic crossing and the Helsinki archipelago approach, giving more consistent visual interest across the flight.
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's runway 22 departure sends aircraft southwest before the turn onto the Helsinki routing, briefly putting London's skyline and the Thames estuary into view on the right side. The left side only shows flat Essex and Cambridgeshire farmland during this phase. Notable sights include: London skyline (distant), Thames Estuary, Essex countryside patchwork.
What can I see when landing at Helsinki Vantaa in Helsinki?
When landing at Helsinki Vantaa (HEL), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Helsinki-Vantaa from the northeast, the descent path curves over the Gulf of Finland and the city's coastal archipelago, which stays on the left side as the aircraft lines up for the runway. Passengers get a clear view of Helsinki's harbor islands and the granite coastline before touchdown. Notable sights include: Gulf of Finland, Helsinki archipelago islands, Suomenlinna sea fortress, Helsinki harbor skyline.
How long is the flight from London to Helsinki?
The flight from Stansted (STN) to Helsinki Vantaa (HEL) takes about 3 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,107 miles (1,781 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Helsinki flight path pass over?
The route crosses the North Sea, passes near the German Baltic coast, and traverses the Baltic Sea past the Åland Islands before descending over the Gulf of Finland into Helsinki.