Left seats capture the dramatic California departure over mountains and coast, and although right seats have the advantage on landing, the takeoff views are more visually distinctive and sustained. The westbound climb over the Santa Ynez range and Point Conception is unmatched on this route.
Flown VBG to LIS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Lompoc to Lisbon is 5,732 miles (9,224 km), a flight of about 11 hours.
The flight crosses the Atlantic at high altitude (35,000+ feet). Notable features visible during cruise include: the Azores archipelago (if routed south of 40°N), the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (not visible but the flight path crosses it), and approaching Europe, the Bay of Biscay, the Iberian Peninsula's western coast, and the Portuguese highlands inland from Lisbon. Most of the transatlantic portion offers only open ocean and cloud formations.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from VBG
LEFTVandenberg AFB typically departs runway 30 (westbound). Left seats face north during initial climb, giving direct views of the Santa Ynez Mountains and the dramatic coastal escarpment. Right seats see only the Pacific Ocean immediately.
Landing at LIS
RIGHTLisbon approaches typically use runway 03 (northbound) or runway 21 (southbound). For a transatlantic arrival, runway 03 is most common. Right seats on descent face east, providing views of the Tagus River estuary, the city's hillside districts, and the bridge approaches. Left seats see only the Atlantic.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Vandenberg Afb (VBG) to Lisboa (LIS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Lompoc to Lisbon. Left seats capture the dramatic California departure over mountains and coast, and although right seats have the advantage on landing, the takeoff views are more visually distinctive and sustained. The westbound climb over the Santa Ynez range and Point Conception is unmatched on this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Vandenberg Afb in Lompoc?
During takeoff from Vandenberg Afb (VBG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Vandenberg AFB typically departs runway 30 (westbound). Left seats face north during initial climb, giving direct views of the Santa Ynez Mountains and the dramatic coastal escarpment. Right seats see only the Pacific Ocean immediately. Notable sights include: Santa Ynez Mountains (north), Point Conception headland (northwest), Santa Maria Valley (northeast), Pacific coastline.
What can I see when landing at Lisboa in Lisbon?
When landing at Lisboa (LIS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Lisbon approaches typically use runway 03 (northbound) or runway 21 (southbound). For a transatlantic arrival, runway 03 is most common. Right seats on descent face east, providing views of the Tagus River estuary, the city's hillside districts, and the bridge approaches. Left seats see only the Atlantic. Notable sights include: Tagus River estuary (Tejo), 25 de Abril Bridge, Lisbon's Alfama and Graça districts on north bank, Cristo Rei monument on south bank.
How long is the flight from Lompoc to Lisbon?
The flight from Vandenberg Afb (VBG) to Lisboa (LIS) takes about 11 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 5,732 miles (9,224 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Lompoc to Lisbon flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Atlantic at high altitude (35,000+ feet). Notable features visible during cruise include: the Azores archipelago (if routed south of 40°N), the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (not visible but the flight path crosses it), and approaching Europe, the Bay of Biscay, the Iberian Peninsula's western coast, and the Portuguese highlands inland from Lisbon. Most of the transatlantic portion offers only open ocean and cloud formations.