Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Milano. The left side wins overall because once the aircraft crosses the English Channel and enters French airspace heading southeast, the left side faces northeast and picks up the best views of the Alps as you approach from the northwest. The dramatic snow-covered Alpine arc from Mont Blanc eastward is visible on the left side during cruise descent, and the left side also delivers the best landing views over Milan and Lake Maggiore into Malpensa.

During takeoff from Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Gatwick's runway 26L departure heads westward before turning southeast, and the right side gives views over the Surrey Hills and the North Downs. As the aircraft banks south toward the Channel, the right side picks up the English countryside rolling toward the coast. Notable sights include: Surrey Hills AONB, North Downs ridge, Crawley town below, glimpse of the South Downs to the south.

When landing at Malpensa (MXP), sit on the Left side for the best views. Malpensa typically uses runway 35L/35R for northerly arrivals, approaching from the south over the Po Valley. The left side on final approach faces east toward Milan city and the foothills of the Alps, with the snow-capped Alps visible on the northern horizon as a dramatic backdrop. Notable sights include: Po Valley flatlands, Milan urban sprawl to the east, Lake Maggiore to the northwest, Alpine foothills on the northern horizon.

The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Malpensa (MXP) takes Approximately 2 hours.

The flight crosses the English Channel near Dieppe, then tracks southeast over northern France through Champagne and Burgundy. The Jura Mountains appear as a distinct forested plateau before the dramatic transition to the western Alps. Mont Blanc and the main Alpine chain become visible during descent, with the Po Valley opening up as the aircraft descends through the Alps into Lombardy.