Left side wins at both ends of the flight. Over the cruise at 35,000 feet across northern Germany and the Netherlands, the left side also offers occasional glimpses of the Rhine delta and Dutch coastal geography, while the right side faces toward the North Sea with little to see. Left is the clear choice for the full journey.
Flown WAW to LGW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Warsaw to London is 906 miles (1,458 km), a flight of about 2 hours 20 minutes.
The route crosses the Polish lowland plain west of Warsaw, then over Brandenburg and Berlin's outskirts to the south, across the North German Plain, over the Netherlands including the Rhine-Meuse delta and Dutch polders, then the southern North Sea before crossing the English coast near the Thames Estuary and tracking southwest over Kent and Surrey to Gatwick.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from WAW
LEFTWarsaw Chopin Airport's primary departure runway for westbound flights is typically Runway 29 (heading roughly northwest). A left-side seat faces south during the climb-out, giving views over central Warsaw including the Old Town, Vistula River bend, and the Palace of Culture and Science tower. The right side faces north over suburban sprawl with little of interest.
Landing at LGW
LEFTGatwick's primary runway runs roughly east-west (Runway 26L/08R). On a westbound approach from the east, aircraft typically land on Runway 26L heading west. The left side faces south, giving views over the Surrey Hills, Crawley town, and the North Downs escarpment. The right side faces north toward Reigate and suburban south London sprawl.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Okecie (WAW) to Gatwick (LGW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Warsaw to London. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. Over the cruise at 35,000 feet across northern Germany and the Netherlands, the left side also offers occasional glimpses of the Rhine delta and Dutch coastal geography, while the right side faces toward the North Sea with little to see. Left is the clear choice for the full journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Okecie in Warsaw?
During takeoff from Okecie (WAW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Warsaw Chopin Airport's primary departure runway for westbound flights is typically Runway 29 (heading roughly northwest). A left-side seat faces south during the climb-out, giving views over central Warsaw including the Old Town, Vistula River bend, and the Palace of Culture and Science tower. The right side faces north over suburban sprawl with little of interest. Notable sights include: Vistula River bend through central Warsaw, Palace of Culture and Science (visible as a prominent spire), Warsaw Old Town district, Praga district on the east bank of the Vistula.
What can I see when landing at Gatwick in London?
When landing at Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Gatwick's primary runway runs roughly east-west (Runway 26L/08R). On a westbound approach from the east, aircraft typically land on Runway 26L heading west. The left side faces south, giving views over the Surrey Hills, Crawley town, and the North Downs escarpment. The right side faces north toward Reigate and suburban south London sprawl. Notable sights include: Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Crawley town below the approach path, North Downs escarpment to the north, Gatwick's single runway and terminal complex.
How long is the flight from Warsaw to London?
The flight from Okecie (WAW) to Gatwick (LGW) takes about 2 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 906 miles (1,458 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Warsaw to London flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Polish lowland plain west of Warsaw, then over Brandenburg and Berlin's outskirts to the south, across the North German Plain, over the Netherlands including the Rhine-Meuse delta and Dutch polders, then the southern North Sea before crossing the English coast near the Thames Estuary and tracking southwest over Kent and Surrey to Gatwick.