Right side scores 3.5 versus left's 2.5 due to superior scenery on both legs. Takeoff captures Birmingham's urban character and Midlands landscape. Cruise over the Middle East and Indian Ocean offers similar views on both sides (ocean-dominated, scoring equally low). Landing into Manila is dramatically better on the right: Laguna de Bay, the Pasig River delta, and Manila Bay provide distinctive water features, urban density, and geographic variety that left side (open ocean) cannot match. Right side's landing sequence alone elevates the overall experience.
Flown BHX to MNL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Birmingham to Manila is 6,697 miles (10,778 km), a flight of about 11 hours 45 minutes.
Suez Canal and Red Sea (crossing into Africa), Arabian Peninsula and Persian Gulf region, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean crossing, Andaman Sea approaching Southeast Asia, Malay Peninsula and Thailand coastline, Strait of Malacca, South China Sea
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BHX
RIGHTRight side captures Birmingham's urban sprawl and the Midlands industrial landscape during southeast departure. Left side faces open countryside with minimal visual interest during climb-out.
Landing at MNL
RIGHTRight side (north-facing approach) offers superior views during descent into Manila. Passengers see Laguna de Bay, the Pasig River delta, and Manila Bay's distinctive geography before final approach. Left side faces open South China Sea with minimal landmarks.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Birmingham (BHX) to Ninoy Aquino International (MNL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Birmingham to Manila. Right side scores 3.5 versus left's 2.5 due to superior scenery on both legs. Takeoff captures Birmingham's urban character and Midlands landscape. Cruise over the Middle East and Indian Ocean offers similar views on both sides (ocean-dominated, scoring equally low). Landing into Manila is dramatically better on the right: Laguna de Bay, the Pasig River delta, and Manila Bay provide distinctive water features, urban density, and geographic variety that left side (open ocean) cannot match. Right side's landing sequence alone elevates the overall experience.
What can I see during takeoff from Birmingham in Birmingham?
During takeoff from Birmingham (BHX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side captures Birmingham's urban sprawl and the Midlands industrial landscape during southeast departure. Left side faces open countryside with minimal visual interest during climb-out. Notable sights include: Birmingham city center and Bullring district, Coventry to the northeast, Worcestershire plains extending south.
What can I see when landing at Ninoy Aquino International in Manila?
When landing at Ninoy Aquino International (MNL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side (north-facing approach) offers superior views during descent into Manila. Passengers see Laguna de Bay, the Pasig River delta, and Manila Bay's distinctive geography before final approach. Left side faces open South China Sea with minimal landmarks. Notable sights include: Laguna de Bay (largest freshwater lake in Philippines), Pasig River delta and Marikina valley, Manila Bay coastline, NAIA airport and Ninoy Aquino International terminal complex.
How long is the flight from Birmingham to Manila?
The flight from Birmingham (BHX) to Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) takes about 11 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,697 miles (10,778 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Birmingham to Manila flight path pass over?
Suez Canal and Red Sea (crossing into Africa), Arabian Peninsula and Persian Gulf region, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean crossing, Andaman Sea approaching Southeast Asia, Malay Peninsula and Thailand coastline, Strait of Malacca, South China Sea