The right side captures Melbourne's skyline and bay at departure and Shanghai's delta and skyline at arrival, while the long overwater and tropical-island cruise portion offers little differentiation between sides.
Flown MEL to PVG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Melbourne to Shanghai is 4,981 miles (8,017 km), a flight of about 9 hours 50 minutes.
Coral Sea, eastern Australia coastal fringe near Queensland, Philippine Sea, and the East China Sea approach toward Taiwan Strait waters
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MEL
RIGHTDeparting MEL on runway 34, the aircraft climbs north with Melbourne's CBD skyline and the curve of Port Phillip Bay falling away on the right side, giving a brief but genuine urban view before the route turns toward open country.
Landing at PVG
RIGHTOn approach into PVG from the south-southeast, arrivals typically cross the Yangtze River delta and Hangzhou Bay before lining up on the north-south runways, giving right-side passengers a view of the Shanghai Pudong skyline and the sprawling delta waterways just before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Melbourne International (MEL) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Melbourne to Shanghai. The right side captures Melbourne's skyline and bay at departure and Shanghai's delta and skyline at arrival, while the long overwater and tropical-island cruise portion offers little differentiation between sides.
What can I see during takeoff from Melbourne International in Melbourne?
During takeoff from Melbourne International (MEL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing MEL on runway 34, the aircraft climbs north with Melbourne's CBD skyline and the curve of Port Phillip Bay falling away on the right side, giving a brief but genuine urban view before the route turns toward open country. Notable sights include: Melbourne CBD skyline, Port Phillip Bay, Yarra River mouth, Westgate Bridge.
What can I see when landing at Shanghai Pudong International in Shanghai?
When landing at Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into PVG from the south-southeast, arrivals typically cross the Yangtze River delta and Hangzhou Bay before lining up on the north-south runways, giving right-side passengers a view of the Shanghai Pudong skyline and the sprawling delta waterways just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Shanghai Pudong skyline (Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower), Yangtze River delta waterways, Hangzhou Bay coastline, Chongming Island.
How long is the flight from Melbourne to Shanghai?
The flight from Melbourne International (MEL) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) takes about 9 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,981 miles (8,017 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Melbourne to Shanghai flight path pass over?
Coral Sea, eastern Australia coastal fringe near Queensland, Philippine Sea, and the East China Sea approach toward Taiwan Strait waters