The right side wins overall because the Miami departure offers genuinely spectacular views of Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach, and the city that are hard to beat. Over the Atlantic the views are similar on both sides, and the Paris approach on the left is excellent but the city is often hazy. The Miami departure on the right is the most reliably dramatic moment of the flight.
Flown MIA to CDG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Miami to Paris is 4,580 miles (7,372 km), a flight of about 9 hours 15 minutes.
The route tracks northeast across the Atlantic, passing south of Bermuda, then over the open North Atlantic. Around the midpoint the flight crosses roughly 40-45°N latitude in open ocean. As it approaches Europe it crosses over southern Ireland or Cornwall in England, then the English Channel, before descending into northern France. On clear days the green patchwork of the English countryside and the white chalk cliffs of the Channel coast are visible during descent.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MIA
RIGHTMIA typically departs eastward on runways 08L/08R, putting the right side facing north toward downtown Miami, Biscayne Bay, and the Miami Beach barrier islands. You get a clear view of the causeway grid and the turquoise shallows of Biscayne Bay as the plane climbs and banks northeast.
Landing at CDG
LEFTCDG typically lands from the west on runways 27L/27R, with the approach track coming in from over the Seine valley. The left side faces south toward Paris, giving a clear view of the Seine river bends, the city center, and on clear days the Eiffel Tower and the dense Haussmann street grid.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Miami International (MIA) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Miami to Paris. The right side wins overall because the Miami departure offers genuinely spectacular views of Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach, and the city that are hard to beat. Over the Atlantic the views are similar on both sides, and the Paris approach on the left is excellent but the city is often hazy. The Miami departure on the right is the most reliably dramatic moment of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Miami International in Miami?
During takeoff from Miami International (MIA), sit on the Right side for the best views. MIA typically departs eastward on runways 08L/08R, putting the right side facing north toward downtown Miami, Biscayne Bay, and the Miami Beach barrier islands. You get a clear view of the causeway grid and the turquoise shallows of Biscayne Bay as the plane climbs and banks northeast. Notable sights include: Downtown Miami skyline, Miami Beach and barrier islands, Biscayne Bay shallow flats, Port of Miami cruise terminals.
What can I see when landing at Charles De Gaulle in Paris?
When landing at Charles De Gaulle (CDG), sit on the Left side for the best views. CDG typically lands from the west on runways 27L/27R, with the approach track coming in from over the Seine valley. The left side faces south toward Paris, giving a clear view of the Seine river bends, the city center, and on clear days the Eiffel Tower and the dense Haussmann street grid. Notable sights include: Seine river bends through Paris, Eiffel Tower, La Défense business district towers, Stade de France.
How long is the flight from Miami to Paris?
The flight from Miami International (MIA) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG) takes about 9 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,580 miles (7,372 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Miami to Paris flight path pass over?
The route tracks northeast across the Atlantic, passing south of Bermuda, then over the open North Atlantic. Around the midpoint the flight crosses roughly 40-45°N latitude in open ocean. As it approaches Europe it crosses over southern Ireland or Cornwall in England, then the English Channel, before descending into northern France. On clear days the green patchwork of the English countryside and the white chalk cliffs of the Channel coast are visible during descent.