While takeoff favors the right, the landing view from the left is significantly more dramatic and geographically distinctive. The Alpine approach over the lakes region is a highlight of this route that outweighs the takeoff advantage.
Flown LPA to MXP? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Gran Canaria to Milano is 1,797 miles (2,892 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Mediterranean Sea for roughly 2 hours, passing south of Sardinia and Corsica (both visible as distant landmasses if flying at higher altitudes). The Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Menorca) may be visible to the left during the initial Mediterranean crossing. As you approach mainland Europe, the Rhône Valley becomes visible, and the flight transitions over southern France before turning northeast toward the Alps. The Massif Central and French Alps form distant ridges on the horizon during mid-flight. No major cities are directly on the route, but the Mediterranean coastline of southern France (Côte d'Azur) passes to the left at distance.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LPA
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the volcanic terrain of Gran Canaria's interior and the Atlantic coastline as you climb. The island's central ridge and northern coast are best viewed from the right during northeasterly departures.
Landing at MXP
LEFTLeft seats offer superior views during descent into Malpensa, particularly the Alpine foothills and the approach over Lombardy's lakes region. Typical runway headings (06/24) mean left-side views capture the dramatic transition from the Po Valley to the Alpine terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gran Canaria (LPA) to Malpensa (MXP)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Gran Canaria to Milano. While takeoff favors the right, the landing view from the left is significantly more dramatic and geographically distinctive. The Alpine approach over the lakes region is a highlight of this route that outweighs the takeoff advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from Gran Canaria in Gran Canaria?
During takeoff from Gran Canaria (LPA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the volcanic terrain of Gran Canaria's interior and the Atlantic coastline as you climb. The island's central ridge and northern coast are best viewed from the right during northeasterly departures. Notable sights include: Gran Canaria's central volcanic peaks (Pico de las Nieves massif), northern coastline near Las Palmas, Atlantic Ocean extending north, Tenerife visible on the southern horizon.
What can I see when landing at Malpensa in Milano?
When landing at Malpensa (MXP), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left seats offer superior views during descent into Malpensa, particularly the Alpine foothills and the approach over Lombardy's lakes region. Typical runway headings (06/24) mean left-side views capture the dramatic transition from the Po Valley to the Alpine terrain. Notable sights include: Lake Como (Lago di Como) in the middle distance, the Alps and Pre-Alps forming a jagged ridge on the horizon, the Po River valley floor with agricultural grid patterns, Lake Maggiore to the northwest.
How long is the flight from Gran Canaria to Milano?
The flight from Gran Canaria (LPA) to Malpensa (MXP) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,797 miles (2,892 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Gran Canaria to Milano flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Mediterranean Sea for roughly 2 hours, passing south of Sardinia and Corsica (both visible as distant landmasses if flying at higher altitudes). The Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Menorca) may be visible to the left during the initial Mediterranean crossing. As you approach mainland Europe, the Rhône Valley becomes visible, and the flight transitions over southern France before turning northeast toward the Alps. The Massif Central and French Alps form distant ridges on the horizon during mid-flight. No major cities are directly on the route, but the Mediterranean coastline of southern France (Côte d'Azur) passes to the left at distance.