Left side wins at both ends of the flight. Over the Atlantic the views are largely featureless ocean on both sides, but the left seat delivers the Alps and Italian lakes on departure and the Boston skyline and harbor on arrival, making it the clear choice for the visually interesting portions of the journey.
Flight Path
The route tracks northwest over the Swiss Alps, then across southern England and Ireland before heading out over the North Atlantic. Mid-flight passes over the southern tip of Greenland, which on a clear day shows ice sheet and fjords, then descends toward Nova Scotia and the New England coast. The Gulf of St. Lawrence and Cape Breton Island may be visible on the left side during descent.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MXP
LEFTMalpensa typically departs on runway 35L/35R heading north, then turns northwest toward the Atlantic. A left seat gives you a clear view east over Milan's urban sprawl and, as the aircraft banks right onto its westbound track, the southern Alps come into view including Lake Maggiore directly below and the Monte Rosa massif to the north. Right side faces open Po Valley farmland with little of interest.
Landing at BOS
LEFTLogan Airport sits on a peninsula in Boston Harbor, and most transatlantic arrivals from the east approach over the ocean and land on runway 33L/33R heading northwest or runway 22L heading southwest. A left seat on approach from the east gives you Boston Harbor, the downtown skyline, and the Charles River basin as you cross the coast. Right side faces south toward the South Shore and open water with less urban interest.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Malpensa (MXP) to General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Milano to Boston. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. Over the Atlantic the views are largely featureless ocean on both sides, but the left seat delivers the Alps and Italian lakes on departure and the Boston skyline and harbor on arrival, making it the clear choice for the visually interesting portions of the journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Malpensa in Milano?
During takeoff from Malpensa (MXP), sit on the Left side for the best views. Malpensa typically departs on runway 35L/35R heading north, then turns northwest toward the Atlantic. A left seat gives you a clear view east over Milan's urban sprawl and, as the aircraft banks right onto its westbound track, the southern Alps come into view including Lake Maggiore directly below and the Monte Rosa massif to the north. Right side faces open Po Valley farmland with little of interest. Notable sights include: Lake Maggiore (directly below during climb), Monte Rosa massif (northeast, snow-capped), Milan city center and its grid (east, receding), Lake Lugano (northeast, partially visible across the Swiss border).
What can I see when landing at General Edward Lawrence Logan International in Boston?
When landing at General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Logan Airport sits on a peninsula in Boston Harbor, and most transatlantic arrivals from the east approach over the ocean and land on runway 33L/33R heading northwest or runway 22L heading southwest. A left seat on approach from the east gives you Boston Harbor, the downtown skyline, and the Charles River basin as you cross the coast. Right side faces south toward the South Shore and open water with less urban interest. Notable sights include: Boston downtown skyline (left, approaching from east), Boston Harbor islands (below on approach), Charles River and Cambridge (left, inland), Logan Airport peninsula and harbor waterfront.
How long is the flight from Milano to Boston?
The flight from Malpensa (MXP) to General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS) takes Approximately 9 to 10 hours westbound.
What does the Milano to Boston flight path pass over?
The route tracks northwest over the Swiss Alps, then across southern England and Ireland before heading out over the North Atlantic. Mid-flight passes over the southern tip of Greenland, which on a clear day shows ice sheet and fjords, then descends toward Nova Scotia and the New England coast. The Gulf of St. Lawrence and Cape Breton Island may be visible on the left side during descent.