While the takeoff offers excellent views of the St. Lawrence and Laurentians, the landing approach into Gatwick provides more sustained and dramatic scenery—the Thames, London's sprawl, and the English countryside transition. Right side captures the more visually rewarding final descent.
Flown YUL to LGW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Montreal to London is 3,260 miles (5,246 km), a flight of about 7 hours 15 minutes.
The flight crosses the North Atlantic at high altitude; notable features along the route include the Canadian Shield (visible during early climb), the Atlantic coastline of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia (if visible during departure), the open Atlantic Ocean (no landmarks for 4-5 hours), the Irish coast and Celtic Sea (approaching European airspace), and the Welsh and English countryside (during descent into UK airspace). Most of the transatlantic portion offers only ocean and cloud formations.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from YUL
LEFTLeft side offers views of the St. Lawrence River valley and the Laurentian Mountains as the aircraft climbs northeastward out of Montreal. Right side faces inland toward less distinctive terrain.
Landing at LGW
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Thames River, London's urban sprawl, and the approach path over southern England's green belt. Left side faces toward less visually distinctive terrain north of the flight path.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Montreal International Dorval (YUL) to Gatwick (LGW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Montreal to London. While the takeoff offers excellent views of the St. Lawrence and Laurentians, the landing approach into Gatwick provides more sustained and dramatic scenery—the Thames, London's sprawl, and the English countryside transition. Right side captures the more visually rewarding final descent.
What can I see during takeoff from Montreal International Dorval in Montreal?
During takeoff from Montreal International Dorval (YUL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the St. Lawrence River valley and the Laurentian Mountains as the aircraft climbs northeastward out of Montreal. Right side faces inland toward less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: St. Lawrence River (flowing southeast through the valley), Laurentian Mountains (northern horizon), Montreal urban sprawl (receding below), Île-de-Montréal (visible as the departure point).
What can I see when landing at Gatwick in London?
When landing at Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the Thames River, London's urban sprawl, and the approach path over southern England's green belt. Left side faces toward less visually distinctive terrain north of the flight path. Notable sights include: Thames River (winding through London), London's urban expanse (Greater London), English countryside and patchwork fields (south of London), North Downs (distant ridge on the horizon).
How long is the flight from Montreal to London?
The flight from Montreal International Dorval (YUL) to Gatwick (LGW) takes about 7 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,260 miles (5,246 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Montreal to London flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the North Atlantic at high altitude; notable features along the route include the Canadian Shield (visible during early climb), the Atlantic coastline of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia (if visible during departure), the open Atlantic Ocean (no landmarks for 4-5 hours), the Irish coast and Celtic Sea (approaching European airspace), and the Welsh and English countryside (during descent into UK airspace). Most of the transatlantic portion offers only ocean and cloud formations.