While takeoff from Toronto offers good views on the right, the landing approach to Gatwick from the left provides more sustained and dramatic scenery—the English countryside, the North Downs, and the final approach over Crawley make for a more rewarding window experience overall on a transatlantic crossing.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the Atlantic roughly along 51°N latitude. Notable features include: the Canadian Shield and Great Lakes region during initial climb; the Atlantic coastline of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland as you depart North America; the open Atlantic Ocean for the majority of the crossing (no landmarks visible); the southern tip of Greenland and Iceland may be visible on the northern horizon in clear conditions during the mid-Atlantic phase; the Irish coast and Celtic Sea as you approach European airspace; and finally the Welsh hills and English Midlands before descent into southern England.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) to Gatwick (LGW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Toronto to London. While takeoff from Toronto offers good views on the right, the landing approach to Gatwick from the left provides more sustained and dramatic scenery—the English countryside, the North Downs, and the final approach over Crawley make for a more rewarding window experience overall on a transatlantic crossing.
What can I see during takeoff from Lester B Pearson International in Toronto?
During takeoff from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the initial climb over Lake Ontario and the Greater Toronto Area sprawl. YYZ typically departs eastbound (runways 24L/24R or 06L/06R depending on wind), and right seats offer views of the lake's northern shoreline, the city grid, and the Scarborough Bluffs as you gain altitude. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario (immediate foreground), Toronto downtown core and CN Tower (visible to the left but framed better from right seats during turn), Scarborough Bluffs (eastern shoreline, distinctive eroded clay cliffs), Greater Toronto Area suburban sprawl extending north.
What can I see when landing at Gatwick in London?
When landing at Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide superior views during the approach to Gatwick. The standard approach from the east brings aircraft over the Weald and Surrey countryside, and left seats face toward the North Downs and the approach path over Crawley and the airport's distinctive parallel runways. You'll see the patchwork of English fields, woodlands, and the urban sprawl of Crawley before touchdown. Notable sights include: North Downs (chalk ridge visible on the horizon to the north), Weald countryside (patchwork of green fields and woodlands in foreground and middle distance), Crawley town (urban area immediately west of airport), Gatwick's parallel runways and terminal complex (visible in final approach).
How long is the flight from Toronto to London?
The flight from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) to Gatwick (LGW) takes Approximately 7 hours 15 minutes to 7 hours 45 minutes (depending on winds and routing).
What does the Toronto to London flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic roughly along 51°N latitude. Notable features include: the Canadian Shield and Great Lakes region during initial climb; the Atlantic coastline of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland as you depart North America; the open Atlantic Ocean for the majority of the crossing (no landmarks visible); the southern tip of Greenland and Iceland may be visible on the northern horizon in clear conditions during the mid-Atlantic phase; the Irish coast and Celtic Sea as you approach European airspace; and finally the Welsh hills and English Midlands before descent into southern England.