London to Hong Kong: which side to sit for the view
A window-seat guide for the London – Hong Kong flight: where the sun is, which side sees the sunset, and what you can spot along the way.
Quick answer
In daylight the sun is mostly on the right side, so the left side has less glare and a clearer view of the ground.
Sunsets are usually seen from the right side.
Sunrises are usually seen from the left side.
Left = window seat A. Right = the last letter in the row (F on most single-aisle jets, K or L on wide-bodies).
Sun by departure time
Calculated for a departure at the local time shown, in mid-January and mid-July, along the shortest (great-circle) route. +2:10 means 2 h 10 min after takeoff.
| Departure | January | July |
|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | Sun on the rightSunrise on the right · +0:49Sunset on the right · +4:52 | Sun on the rightSunset behind · +7:50 |
| 12:00 | Sun on the rightSunset on the right · +2:07Sunrise on the left · +11:33 | Sun on both sidesSunset behind · +5:14Sunrise on the left · +11:04 |
| 17:00 | Sun on the rightSunrise ahead · +8:25 | Sun on the leftSunset on the left · +2:42Sunrise on the left · +6:52 |
| 22:00 | Sun on the rightSunrise ahead · +5:43Sunset on the right · +12:00 | Sun on both sidesSunrise on the left · +3:38 |
What you can see on the way
Landmarks close to the shortest route and the side they appear on. Real flight paths change with winds and air traffic control, so treat this as a guide.
- The Wadden Sea islandson the right · +0:29