Right-side seats win overall because the takeoff views of the Alps are more visually dramatic and sustained than the landing views. While left-side landing views of Boston are worthwhile, the Alpine scenery dominates the first hour of flight and offers more varied terrain.
Flown MXP to BED? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Milano to Bedford is 3,807 miles (6,127 km), a flight of about 7 hours 40 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Alps, then the Atlantic. Notable features include: the Alps (first 1-2 hours), the Jura Mountains, the English Channel and southern England, the Atlantic Ocean (majority of flight), and the New England coast approaching Boston. The midpoint occurs roughly over the Atlantic, east of Newfoundland, where there are no significant landmarks—primarily open ocean.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MXP
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Alps immediately after departure from Malpensa. The aircraft climbs northeastward, giving right-side passengers direct sightlines to the snow-capped peaks and valleys of the western Alps as you gain altitude over the first 15-20 minutes of flight.
Landing at BED
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Boston. The aircraft approaches from the northeast over the Atlantic, then turns southwest toward Hanscom Field. Left-side passengers see the Massachusetts coastline, Boston Harbor, and the city skyline during the final approach and descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Malpensa (MXP) to Laurence G Hanscom Fld (BED)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Milano to Bedford. Right-side seats win overall because the takeoff views of the Alps are more visually dramatic and sustained than the landing views. While left-side landing views of Boston are worthwhile, the Alpine scenery dominates the first hour of flight and offers more varied terrain.
What can I see during takeoff from Malpensa in Milano?
During takeoff from Malpensa (MXP), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Alps immediately after departure from Malpensa. The aircraft climbs northeastward, giving right-side passengers direct sightlines to the snow-capped peaks and valleys of the western Alps as you gain altitude over the first 15-20 minutes of flight. Notable sights include: Western Alps (Monte Rosa, Gran Paradiso massif), Lake Maggiore to the east, Ticino River valley, Po River plain stretching south.
What can I see when landing at Laurence G Hanscom Fld in Bedford?
When landing at Laurence G Hanscom Fld (BED), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Boston. The aircraft approaches from the northeast over the Atlantic, then turns southwest toward Hanscom Field. Left-side passengers see the Massachusetts coastline, Boston Harbor, and the city skyline during the final approach and descent. Notable sights include: Atlantic coastline and Cape Cod, Boston Harbor and islands, Charles River and Boston skyline, Merrimack River valley.
How long is the flight from Milano to Bedford?
The flight from Malpensa (MXP) to Laurence G Hanscom Fld (BED) takes about 7 hours 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,807 miles (6,127 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Milano to Bedford flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Alps, then the Atlantic. Notable features include: the Alps (first 1-2 hours), the Jura Mountains, the English Channel and southern England, the Atlantic Ocean (majority of flight), and the New England coast approaching Boston. The midpoint occurs roughly over the Atlantic, east of Newfoundland, where there are no significant landmarks—primarily open ocean.