While takeoff from Ottawa favors the left side with urban landmarks, the landing into London City Airport on the right side is significantly more scenic. The Thames River approach with Canary Wharf, Tower Bridge, and the Isle of Dogs provides distinctive, recognizable urban and water features that outweigh the modest Ottawa departure scenery. Both sides score equally due to the 5+ hour transatlantic ocean crossing dominating the cruise phase, but the landing experience tips the balance to the right.
Flown YOW to LCY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Ottawa to London is 3,341 miles (5,377 km), a flight of about 7 hours 15 minutes.
Transatlantic crossing over the North Atlantic with no visible landmarks for approximately 5 hours. The route passes north of Newfoundland (not visible), crosses open ocean, and approaches the British Isles. Approaching European airspace, the southern coast of Ireland or southwestern England may become visible depending on exact routing, followed by the English Channel and approach to London.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from YOW
LEFTLeft side captures Ottawa's urban core and the Rideau River valley during climb-out, with the Parliament Hill district and downtown skyline visible. Right side shows suburban sprawl and flat terrain with minimal landmarks.
Landing at LCY
RIGHTRight side offers the Thames River approach into London City Airport, with views of the Isle of Dogs, Canary Wharf's distinctive towers, and the Thames meanders. Left side shows suburban London and the approach over less distinctive terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International (YOW) to City (LCY)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Ottawa to London. While takeoff from Ottawa favors the left side with urban landmarks, the landing into London City Airport on the right side is significantly more scenic. The Thames River approach with Canary Wharf, Tower Bridge, and the Isle of Dogs provides distinctive, recognizable urban and water features that outweigh the modest Ottawa departure scenery. Both sides score equally due to the 5+ hour transatlantic ocean crossing dominating the cruise phase, but the landing experience tips the balance to the right.
What can I see during takeoff from Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International in Ottawa?
During takeoff from Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International (YOW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side captures Ottawa's urban core and the Rideau River valley during climb-out, with the Parliament Hill district and downtown skyline visible. Right side shows suburban sprawl and flat terrain with minimal landmarks. Notable sights include: Parliament Hill and downtown Ottawa skyline, Rideau River, Gatineau Hills to the northwest.
What can I see when landing at City in London?
When landing at City (LCY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers the Thames River approach into London City Airport, with views of the Isle of Dogs, Canary Wharf's distinctive towers, and the Thames meanders. Left side shows suburban London and the approach over less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Thames River and its distinctive meanders, Canary Wharf towers, Isle of Dogs, Tower Bridge area.
How long is the flight from Ottawa to London?
The flight from Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International (YOW) to City (LCY) takes about 7 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,341 miles (5,377 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Ottawa to London flight path pass over?
Transatlantic crossing over the North Atlantic with no visible landmarks for approximately 5 hours. The route passes north of Newfoundland (not visible), crosses open ocean, and approaches the British Isles. Approaching European airspace, the southern coast of Ireland or southwestern England may become visible depending on exact routing, followed by the English Channel and approach to London.