The right side wins overall. The Boston departure view of the harbor and skyline is spectacular and hard to beat. Across the Pacific the views are largely ocean on both sides, so seat side matters little mid-flight. At Manila the left side is better for landing, but the departure experience from Boston on the right is the more memorable and visually rich moment of the journey.
Flown BOS to MNL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Boston to Manila is 8,434 miles (13,573 km), a flight of about 16 hours.
The route tracks northwest from Boston over Quebec and Ontario, then across the Canadian Arctic and Alaska, crossing the Aleutian Island chain over the North Pacific. The Aleutians offer a brief glimpse of volcanic island arcs. The flight then descends south over the open North Pacific, passing east of Japan and the Ryukyu Islands before crossing the Philippine Sea and approaching Luzon from the north. Mid-flight features are predominantly open ocean with occasional cloud systems and, near Alaska, possible views of the Alaska Range and Aleutian volcanoes on clear days.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BOS
RIGHTLogan's most common departure is runway 22L/22R heading southwest, then aircraft turn north/northwest toward Canada. A right-side seat captures Boston Harbor, the downtown skyline, and the Charles River basin as the plane banks. Left side faces inland toward East Boston and suburban sprawl.
Landing at MNL
LEFTFlights from the north typically approach Manila from the South China Sea side, lining up for runway 06 or 24. A left-side seat on approach from the north gives views over Manila Bay, the historic Intramuros district, and the densely packed Metro Manila urban grid. Right side faces inland toward Laguna de Bay and the Sierra Madre foothills.
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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 Ninoy Aquino International (MNL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Boston to Manila. The right side wins overall. The Boston departure view of the harbor and skyline is spectacular and hard to beat. Across the Pacific the views are largely ocean on both sides, so seat side matters little mid-flight. At Manila the left side is better for landing, but the departure experience from Boston on the right is the more memorable and visually rich moment of the journey.
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 Right side for the best views. Logan's most common departure is runway 22L/22R heading southwest, then aircraft turn north/northwest toward Canada. A right-side seat captures Boston Harbor, the downtown skyline, and the Charles River basin as the plane banks. Left side faces inland toward East Boston and suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Boston Harbor and its islands, downtown Boston skyline including the Prudential and Hancock towers, Charles River and Cambridge, Massachusetts Bay coastline.
What can I see when landing at Ninoy Aquino International in Manila?
When landing at Ninoy Aquino International (MNL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Flights from the north typically approach Manila from the South China Sea side, lining up for runway 06 or 24. A left-side seat on approach from the north gives views over Manila Bay, the historic Intramuros district, and the densely packed Metro Manila urban grid. Right side faces inland toward Laguna de Bay and the Sierra Madre foothills. Notable sights include: Manila Bay and its broad waterfront, Intramuros and the Rizal Park area, Metro Manila urban grid, Laguna de Bay visible to the southeast.
How long is the flight from Boston to Manila?
The flight from General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS) to Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) takes about 16 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 8,434 miles (13,573 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Boston to Manila flight path pass over?
The route tracks northwest from Boston over Quebec and Ontario, then across the Canadian Arctic and Alaska, crossing the Aleutian Island chain over the North Pacific. The Aleutians offer a brief glimpse of volcanic island arcs. The flight then descends south over the open North Pacific, passing east of Japan and the Ryukyu Islands before crossing the Philippine Sea and approaching Luzon from the north. Mid-flight features are predominantly open ocean with occasional cloud systems and, near Alaska, possible views of the Alaska Range and Aleutian volcanoes on clear days.