While left offers better takeoff views of Port Phillip Bay and the You Yangs, right seats provide superior scenery for the majority of the flight and especially the landing approach into Paris. The landing views of the Seine's meanders and Parisian sprawl outweigh the takeoff advantage.
Flown MEL to CDG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Melbourne to Paris is 10,412 miles (16,756 km), a flight of about 17 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Indian Ocean (no landmarks), then over the Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf region, across the Middle East (Zagros Mountains visible on some routing), over Turkey's Anatolian plateau, the Black Sea, and into southeastern Europe before reaching the Alps and descending into the Paris basin. Most of the 17+ hour journey is over open ocean or sparsely populated terrain with limited scenic landmarks from cruise altitude.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MEL
LEFTLeft seats face northwest on departure from MEL, offering views of Port Phillip Bay's western shoreline and the You Yangs volcanic range. Right seats see inland farmland with no distinctive landmarks during climb-out.
Landing at CDG
RIGHTRight seats face northeast on approach to CDG, providing views of the Seine River's meanders, the Île-de-France agricultural plains, and the Parisian urban sprawl. Left seats see the same features but at a less favorable angle during final descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Melbourne International (MEL) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Melbourne to Paris. While left offers better takeoff views of Port Phillip Bay and the You Yangs, right seats provide superior scenery for the majority of the flight and especially the landing approach into Paris. The landing views of the Seine's meanders and Parisian sprawl outweigh the takeoff advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from Melbourne International in Melbourne?
During takeoff from Melbourne International (MEL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left seats face northwest on departure from MEL, offering views of Port Phillip Bay's western shoreline and the You Yangs volcanic range. Right seats see inland farmland with no distinctive landmarks during climb-out. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay, You Yangs volcanic hills, Werribee River valley, Melbourne CBD skyline (receding).
What can I see when landing at Charles De Gaulle in Paris?
When landing at Charles De Gaulle (CDG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats face northeast on approach to CDG, providing views of the Seine River's meanders, the Île-de-France agricultural plains, and the Parisian urban sprawl. Left seats see the same features but at a less favorable angle during final descent. Notable sights include: Seine River meanders, Île-de-France farmland patchwork, Parisian suburbs and urban districts, Montmartre and central Paris skyline.
How long is the flight from Melbourne to Paris?
The flight from Melbourne International (MEL) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG) takes about 17 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 10,412 miles (16,756 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Melbourne to Paris flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Indian Ocean (no landmarks), then over the Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf region, across the Middle East (Zagros Mountains visible on some routing), over Turkey's Anatolian plateau, the Black Sea, and into southeastern Europe before reaching the Alps and descending into the Paris basin. Most of the 17+ hour journey is over open ocean or sparsely populated terrain with limited scenic landmarks from cruise altitude.