The left side wins both ends of the flight: a scenic harbor-and-skyline departure from Boston and a dramatic skyline-and-harbor arrival into Hong Kong, while the right side mostly faces open ocean or featureless polar terrain during those same phases.
Flown BOS to HKG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Boston to Hong Kong is 7,957 miles (12,806 km), a flight of about 15 hours 45 minutes.
The great-circle routing carries the flight up over Quebec and Hudson Bay, across the Canadian Arctic, and down through Siberia near the Verkhoyansk Range and the Lena River basin before crossing Mongolia's Gobi desert and northern China en route to Hong Kong.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from BOS
LEFTBOS departures on the harbor-noise-abatement track climb north over Boston Harbor before banking toward Canada, and that turn swings the city into view on the left side. Passengers get a good look at the Financial District skyline, the Charles River, and the harbor islands before the plane straightens out toward the northwest.
Landing at HKG
LEFTOn a runway 25 arrival (the more common summer configuration), the aircraft descends over the New Territories and turns southwest for final approach, putting Hong Kong Island's skyline and Victoria Harbour on the left side of the cabin. It's one of the most recognizable urban approaches in the world, with dense high-rises packed against steep green hillsides.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS) to Hong Kong International (HKG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Boston to Hong Kong. The left side wins both ends of the flight: a scenic harbor-and-skyline departure from Boston and a dramatic skyline-and-harbor arrival into Hong Kong, while the right side mostly faces open ocean or featureless polar terrain during those same phases.
What can I see during takeoff from General Edward Lawrence Logan International in Boston?
During takeoff from General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS), sit on the Left side for the best views. BOS departures on the harbor-noise-abatement track climb north over Boston Harbor before banking toward Canada, and that turn swings the city into view on the left side. Passengers get a good look at the Financial District skyline, the Charles River, and the harbor islands before the plane straightens out toward the northwest. Notable sights include: Boston Harbor Islands, Downtown Boston skyline, Charles River, Logan Airport runways receding below.
What can I see when landing at Hong Kong International in Hong Kong?
When landing at Hong Kong International (HKG), sit on the Left side for the best views. On a runway 25 arrival (the more common summer configuration), the aircraft descends over the New Territories and turns southwest for final approach, putting Hong Kong Island's skyline and Victoria Harbour on the left side of the cabin. It's one of the most recognizable urban approaches in the world, with dense high-rises packed against steep green hillsides. Notable sights include: Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island skyline, Kowloon high-rise districts, Lantau Island's mountain ridges in the distance.
How long is the flight from Boston to Hong Kong?
The flight from General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS) to Hong Kong International (HKG) takes about 15 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 7,957 miles (12,806 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Boston to Hong Kong flight path pass over?
The great-circle routing carries the flight up over Quebec and Hudson Bay, across the Canadian Arctic, and down through Siberia near the Verkhoyansk Range and the Lena River basin before crossing Mongolia's Gobi desert and northern China en route to Hong Kong.