The right side captures the flight's two most dramatic moments — the Alpine wall on departure and the Manhattan skyline on arrival — while the long mid-Atlantic crossing offers little difference between sides, keeping the left side comparatively flat and ocean-bound throughout.
Flight Path
The route crosses the North Atlantic for several hours with little below but open water; on clear days it can pass within sight of southern Ireland's coastline near County Kerry shortly after leaving Europe, and occasionally near Newfoundland's rugged shoreline before descending into the northeastern United States.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
_Panoramica_del_centro_della_citt%C3%A0_dal_lago.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MXP
RIGHTDeparting Malpensa on runway 35, the aircraft climbs north then banks left toward France, swinging the right-side windows across Lake Maggiore and the wall of the Alps rising just beyond the Po plain. The left side only shows the flat, hazy Lombardy countryside receding behind.
Landing at JFK
RIGHTArrivals from Europe typically approach JFK from the northeast and turn onto final for runway 22L/22R, a heading that puts Manhattan's skyline off the right side as the plane crosses Long Island Sound and descends over Queens. The left side instead faces open Atlantic and the marshy edges of Jamaica Bay.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Malpensa (MXP) to John F Kennedy International (JFK)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Milano to New York. The right side captures the flight's two most dramatic moments — the Alpine wall on departure and the Manhattan skyline on arrival — while the long mid-Atlantic crossing offers little difference between sides, keeping the left side comparatively flat and ocean-bound throughout.
What can I see during takeoff from Malpensa in Milano?
During takeoff from Malpensa (MXP), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Malpensa on runway 35, the aircraft climbs north then banks left toward France, swinging the right-side windows across Lake Maggiore and the wall of the Alps rising just beyond the Po plain. The left side only shows the flat, hazy Lombardy countryside receding behind. Notable sights include: Lake Maggiore, Monte Rosa massif, Swiss/Italian Alpine foothills, Po Valley plain.
What can I see when landing at John F Kennedy International in New York?
When landing at John F Kennedy International (JFK), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arrivals from Europe typically approach JFK from the northeast and turn onto final for runway 22L/22R, a heading that puts Manhattan's skyline off the right side as the plane crosses Long Island Sound and descends over Queens. The left side instead faces open Atlantic and the marshy edges of Jamaica Bay. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Long Island Sound, Queens rooftops, Jamaica Bay wetlands.
How long is the flight from Milano to New York?
The flight from Malpensa (MXP) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes 9h 50m.
What does the Milano to New York flight path pass over?
The route crosses the North Atlantic for several hours with little below but open water; on clear days it can pass within sight of southern Ireland's coastline near County Kerry shortly after leaving Europe, and occasionally near Newfoundland's rugged shoreline before descending into the northeastern United States.