While left seats offer better takeoff views of the Thames Estuary and English coast, right seats provide the more dramatic and distinctive landing experience over Iceland's volcanic landscape. The landing view is geographically more striking and memorable than the departure.
Flown STN to KEF? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Keflavik is 1,171 miles (1,885 km), a flight of about 2 hours 55 minutes.
The flight path crosses the North Sea heading northwest, passing over open water with no significant landmarks visible. Around the midpoint (roughly 1 hour 20 minutes into flight), the aircraft crosses the latitude of the Shetland Islands (which may be visible as small dark shapes on the horizon in clear conditions, but are typically obscured). The route then continues over the Atlantic toward Iceland, with no further land visible until approaching Keflavik. The water below transitions from North Sea gray-green to deeper Atlantic blue-gray. In clear conditions, the curvature of the Earth becomes subtly apparent at cruise altitude.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from STN
LEFTStansted typically departs runway 22 (southwest heading). Left seats face northwest initially, giving views of the Essex coastline, Thames Estuary, and the gradual transition toward the North Sea. Right seats see inland Essex and lose coastal features quickly.
Landing at KEF
RIGHTKeflavik typically uses runway 02 (north heading) for landing. Right seats face east during final approach, providing views of Iceland's southwestern coast, the Atlantic, and the distinctive lava fields and volcanic terrain around Reykjanes Peninsula.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Stansted (STN) to Keflavik Nas (KEF)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Keflavik. While left seats offer better takeoff views of the Thames Estuary and English coast, right seats provide the more dramatic and distinctive landing experience over Iceland's volcanic landscape. The landing view is geographically more striking and memorable than the departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Stansted in London?
During takeoff from Stansted (STN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Stansted typically departs runway 22 (southwest heading). Left seats face northwest initially, giving views of the Essex coastline, Thames Estuary, and the gradual transition toward the North Sea. Right seats see inland Essex and lose coastal features quickly. Notable sights include: Thames Estuary (broad water body southeast of London), Essex coast and marshlands, North Sea horizon, gradual view of East Anglia inland.
What can I see when landing at Keflavik Nas in Keflavik?
When landing at Keflavik Nas (KEF), sit on the Right side for the best views. Keflavik typically uses runway 02 (north heading) for landing. Right seats face east during final approach, providing views of Iceland's southwestern coast, the Atlantic, and the distinctive lava fields and volcanic terrain around Reykjanes Peninsula. Notable sights include: Reykjanes Peninsula lava fields (dark, barren volcanic terrain), Atlantic Ocean, Fagradalsfjall volcanic area, Iceland's rugged coastline.
How long is the flight from London to Keflavik?
The flight from Stansted (STN) to Keflavik Nas (KEF) takes about 2 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,171 miles (1,885 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Keflavik flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Sea heading northwest, passing over open water with no significant landmarks visible. Around the midpoint (roughly 1 hour 20 minutes into flight), the aircraft crosses the latitude of the Shetland Islands (which may be visible as small dark shapes on the horizon in clear conditions, but are typically obscured). The route then continues over the Atlantic toward Iceland, with no further land visible until approaching Keflavik. The water below transitions from North Sea gray-green to deeper Atlantic blue-gray. In clear conditions, the curvature of the Earth becomes subtly apparent at cruise altitude.