Right side scores 3.5 vs left's 2.5 due to superior scenery on both legs: Manila Bay and coastal Manila during takeoff provide urban-maritime interest, while the Seine valley and Île-de-France agricultural landscape during approach offer genuine visual variety and recognizable landmarks. Left side is dominated by flat plains and open ocean with minimal distinctive features across the 11+ hour flight.
Flown MNL to CDG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Manila to Paris is 6,669 miles (10,733 km), a flight of about 11 hours 35 minutes.
Overfly the Indus Valley (Pakistan), Persian Gulf coastlines (Oman/UAE), Arabian Peninsula deserts, Red Sea, Suez Canal, Nile Delta, Mediterranean Sea, and southern European coastlines (Greece, Italy, southern France). The cruise phase is predominantly ocean and desert with limited scenic variation—most visual interest concentrates at departure and arrival.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MNL
RIGHTRight side captures Manila Bay and the coastal urban sprawl of Metro Manila during initial climb. Left side faces inland toward Laguna de Bay and flat agricultural plains with minimal visual interest.
Landing at CDG
RIGHTRight side (north) offers superior approach scenery: the Seine River valley, Île-de-France agricultural patchwork, and suburban Paris sprawl are visually distinctive. Left side (south) faces monotonous flat plains and industrial zones with minimal landmark variety.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Manila to Paris. Right side scores 3.5 vs left's 2.5 due to superior scenery on both legs: Manila Bay and coastal Manila during takeoff provide urban-maritime interest, while the Seine valley and Île-de-France agricultural landscape during approach offer genuine visual variety and recognizable landmarks. Left side is dominated by flat plains and open ocean with minimal distinctive features across the 11+ hour flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Ninoy Aquino International in Manila?
During takeoff from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side captures Manila Bay and the coastal urban sprawl of Metro Manila during initial climb. Left side faces inland toward Laguna de Bay and flat agricultural plains with minimal visual interest. Notable sights include: Manila Bay shoreline, Corregidor Island (visible ~30 km west), Port of Manila container terminals, Cavite coastal lowlands.
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 side (north) offers superior approach scenery: the Seine River valley, Île-de-France agricultural patchwork, and suburban Paris sprawl are visually distinctive. Left side (south) faces monotonous flat plains and industrial zones with minimal landmark variety. Notable sights include: Seine River meanders, Versailles Palace grounds (visible as formal gardens ~15 km south of CDG), Île-de-France forest patches, suburban Paris ring roads and residential clusters.
How long is the flight from Manila to Paris?
The flight from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG) takes about 11 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,669 miles (10,733 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Manila to Paris flight path pass over?
Overfly the Indus Valley (Pakistan), Persian Gulf coastlines (Oman/UAE), Arabian Peninsula deserts, Red Sea, Suez Canal, Nile Delta, Mediterranean Sea, and southern European coastlines (Greece, Italy, southern France). The cruise phase is predominantly ocean and desert with limited scenic variation—most visual interest concentrates at departure and arrival.