About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Valencia (VLC) to Gatwick (LGW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Valencia to London. The left side wins overall because the Valencia departure offers genuinely spectacular coastal and lagoon scenery that outweighs the modest advantage of the right side on Gatwick approach. During the cruise over France the left side also tracks closer to the Loire Valley and the Paris Basin, though at 35,000 feet both sides offer similar views of the French countryside.
What can I see during takeoff from Valencia in Valencia?
During takeoff from Valencia (VLC), sit on the Left side for the best views. Valencia airport's main departure runway 30 sends aircraft northwest over the city, and the left side captures the Mediterranean coastline, the Albufera lagoon to the south, and the city's historic centre including the old riverbed of the Turia. The right side faces inland toward flat agricultural plains with little visual interest. Notable sights include: Albufera lagoon and its rice paddies, Valencia city centre and the Turia riverbed park, Mediterranean coastline stretching south, Port of Valencia with its distinctive container terminals.
What can I see when landing at Gatwick in London?
When landing at Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Gatwick's main approach on runway 26L brings aircraft in from the east, and the right side gives a clear view over the North Downs, the M23 corridor, and the suburban sprawl of Crawley directly below on final approach. The left side faces north toward open countryside with less to see. Notable sights include: North Downs ridge, Crawley town centre directly below on final, M23 motorway corridor, Ashdown Forest visible to the southeast.
How long is the flight from Valencia to London?
The flight from Valencia (VLC) to Gatwick (LGW) takes Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.
What does the Valencia to London flight path pass over?
After leaving the Spanish coast the route crosses the Pyrenees, then tracks over the Massif Central and the Loire Valley in central France, before crossing the English Channel near the Normandy or Pas-de-Calais coast and entering southern England over Kent or Sussex. The Pyrenees crossing is the most dramatic feature at altitude, appearing as a corrugated snow-streaked ridge on the horizon.