While takeoff offers Atlantic coastal views, the landing approach over the Yangtze delta and Shanghai's urban landscape provides more dramatic and distinctive scenery. The delta's complex geography and the contrast between water, islands, and urban development create stronger visual interest than the New England coast.
Flown BOS to PVG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Boston to Shanghai is 7,293 miles (11,737 km), a flight of about 14 hours 20 minutes.
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic, passing north of Greenland and the Arctic regions, then over the Bering Strait area and across Alaska and Canada. Over the Pacific, the route passes north of the Aleutian Islands and crosses the North Pacific. Notable features include the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, the Alaska Range (visible on clear days during the Alaskan portion), and the vast open North Pacific Ocean. The approach to China brings views of the Kamchatka Peninsula, the Russian Far East coast, and eventually the East China Sea before reaching the Yangtze estuary.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BOS
LEFTLeft seats face northwest on departure, offering views of the Atlantic coastline, Cape Cod, and the New England coast as the aircraft climbs. Right seats turn inland toward less scenic terrain.
Landing at PVG
RIGHTRight seats face the Yangtze River estuary and Hangzhou Bay during approach from the west. The river delta's complex network of waterways, islands, and industrial zones creates dramatic visual contrast. Left seats see inland terrain with less distinctive features.
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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 Shanghai Pudong International (PVG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Boston to Shanghai. While takeoff offers Atlantic coastal views, the landing approach over the Yangtze delta and Shanghai's urban landscape provides more dramatic and distinctive scenery. The delta's complex geography and the contrast between water, islands, and urban development create stronger visual interest than the New England coast.
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. Left seats face northwest on departure, offering views of the Atlantic coastline, Cape Cod, and the New England coast as the aircraft climbs. Right seats turn inland toward less scenic terrain. Notable sights include: Atlantic Ocean, Cape Cod peninsula, Massachusetts Bay, New England coastline.
What can I see when landing at Shanghai Pudong International in Shanghai?
When landing at Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats face the Yangtze River estuary and Hangzhou Bay during approach from the west. The river delta's complex network of waterways, islands, and industrial zones creates dramatic visual contrast. Left seats see inland terrain with less distinctive features. Notable sights include: Yangtze River estuary, Hangzhou Bay, East China Sea, Shanghai urban sprawl.
How long is the flight from Boston to Shanghai?
The flight from General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) takes about 14 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 7,293 miles (11,737 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Boston to Shanghai flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic, passing north of Greenland and the Arctic regions, then over the Bering Strait area and across Alaska and Canada. Over the Pacific, the route passes north of the Aleutian Islands and crosses the North Pacific. Notable features include the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, the Alaska Range (visible on clear days during the Alaskan portion), and the vast open North Pacific Ocean. The approach to China brings views of the Kamchatka Peninsula, the Russian Far East coast, and eventually the East China Sea before reaching the Yangtze estuary.