Right side scores 3.5 vs left's 2.5. The right side benefits from superior departure scenery (Seine valley and Paris urban landscape) and significantly better landing views (Manila Bay, Laguna de Bay, Sierra Madre mountains, and the Pasig River delta). Left side is dominated by flat terrain and open ocean with minimal dramatic features. Right side offers greater variety and landmark density across the full flight.
Flown CDG to MNL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Paris to Manila is 6,669 miles (10,733 km), a flight of about 11 hours 45 minutes.
Eastern Mediterranean coastline (Greece, Turkey), Levantine coast (Syria, Lebanon), Arabian Peninsula (Saudi Arabia, Oman), Arabian Sea, Indian subcontinent (western coast of India), Bay of Bengal, Andaman Sea, and Southeast Asian mainland (Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam) before descending into Manila Bay approach corridor
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from CDG
RIGHTRight side captures the Seine valley and Paris metropolitan area during westward departure (typical '26/27' configuration). Left side faces inland toward Champagne region with minimal urban or dramatic terrain features.
Landing at MNL
RIGHTRight side (north-facing) provides superior approach views during typical runway 06 operations (northeast monsoon season, Nov–Apr). Passengers see Manila Bay's eastern shoreline, Laguna de Bay, and the Sierra Madre mountain range. Left side faces open water and Batangas province with less dramatic features.
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Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Ninoy Aquino International (MNL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Paris to Manila. Right side scores 3.5 vs left's 2.5. The right side benefits from superior departure scenery (Seine valley and Paris urban landscape) and significantly better landing views (Manila Bay, Laguna de Bay, Sierra Madre mountains, and the Pasig River delta). Left side is dominated by flat terrain and open ocean with minimal dramatic features. Right side offers greater variety and landmark density across the full flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Charles De Gaulle in Paris?
During takeoff from Charles De Gaulle (CDG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side captures the Seine valley and Paris metropolitan area during westward departure (typical '26/27' configuration). Left side faces inland toward Champagne region with minimal urban or dramatic terrain features. Notable sights include: Seine River winding through Paris suburbs, Île-de-France agricultural plains, distant Fontainebleau Forest to the southeast.
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) provides superior approach views during typical runway 06 operations (northeast monsoon season, Nov–Apr). Passengers see Manila Bay's eastern shoreline, Laguna de Bay, and the Sierra Madre mountain range. Left side faces open water and Batangas province with less dramatic features. Notable sights include: Manila Bay with Corregidor Island visible offshore, Laguna de Bay's freshwater expanse, Sierra Madre mountain range on the eastern horizon, Pasig River delta.
How long is the flight from Paris to Manila?
The flight from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) takes about 11 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,669 miles (10,733 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Paris to Manila flight path pass over?
Eastern Mediterranean coastline (Greece, Turkey), Levantine coast (Syria, Lebanon), Arabian Peninsula (Saudi Arabia, Oman), Arabian Sea, Indian subcontinent (western coast of India), Bay of Bengal, Andaman Sea, and Southeast Asian mainland (Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam) before descending into Manila Bay approach corridor