The left side bookends the flight with the only two genuinely scenic moments — the New York skyline on departure and the Alpine lake country on arrival — while the right side offers little beyond open ocean and flat farmland for nearly the entire journey.
Flown JFK to MXP? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New York to Milano is 3,985 miles (6,413 km), a flight of about 8 hours 30 minutes.
Open North Atlantic Ocean, flight path passing south of Newfoundland and north of the Azores with no land visible for several hours before reaching the European coast near France.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
_Panoramica_del_centro_della_citt%C3%A0_dal_lago.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from JFK
LEFTJFK departures bound for Europe typically climb out over Jamaica Bay and the Rockaways before turning northeast toward New England, putting the Manhattan skyline and Long Island's north shore on the left side of the aircraft. The right side mostly shows open Atlantic water off the south shore beaches.
Landing at MXP
LEFTArrivals into Malpensa from the north cross the Alpine foothills and pass near Lake Maggiore before turning south to land, giving a brief but genuine view of alpine terrain and the lake's blue waters on the left side. The right side shows only the flat, checkerboard farmland of the Po Valley.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
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 John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Malpensa (MXP)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Milano. The left side bookends the flight with the only two genuinely scenic moments — the New York skyline on departure and the Alpine lake country on arrival — while the right side offers little beyond open ocean and flat farmland for nearly the entire journey.
What can I see during takeoff from John F Kennedy International in New York?
During takeoff from John F Kennedy International (JFK), sit on the Left side for the best views. JFK departures bound for Europe typically climb out over Jamaica Bay and the Rockaways before turning northeast toward New England, putting the Manhattan skyline and Long Island's north shore on the left side of the aircraft. The right side mostly shows open Atlantic water off the south shore beaches. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Jamaica Bay, Rockaway Peninsula, Long Island Sound coastline.
What can I see when landing at Malpensa in Milano?
When landing at Malpensa (MXP), sit on the Left side for the best views. Arrivals into Malpensa from the north cross the Alpine foothills and pass near Lake Maggiore before turning south to land, giving a brief but genuine view of alpine terrain and the lake's blue waters on the left side. The right side shows only the flat, checkerboard farmland of the Po Valley. Notable sights include: Lake Maggiore, southern Alpine foothills, Ticino river valley, Po Valley farmland.
How long is the flight from New York to Milano?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Malpensa (MXP) takes about 8 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,985 miles (6,413 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to Milano flight path pass over?
Open North Atlantic Ocean, flight path passing south of Newfoundland and north of the Azores with no land visible for several hours before reaching the European coast near France.