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 Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Milano to New York. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. The Alpine departure view with Lake Maggiore and Monte Rosa is genuinely spectacular, and the approach into JFK with Jamaica Bay and the Manhattan skyline on the left makes it the clear choice for the full 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 roughly north, then turns west-northwest toward the Atlantic. A left-side seat captures Lake Maggiore and the Alps as the aircraft climbs and banks. The snow-capped peaks of Monte Rosa and the Pennine Alps are clearly visible to the south and southwest from the left side during the turn. Notable sights include: Lake Maggiore (Lago Maggiore), Monte Rosa massif, Pennine Alps ridge, Po Valley flatlands receding to the southeast.
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 Left side for the best views. JFK approaches are typically from the east or northeast on runway 31L/31R or 22L/22R. On a standard approach from the northeast, the left side faces south over Jamaica Bay and offers a clear view of Lower Manhattan's skyline in the distance. The right side looks north over suburban Queens with less dramatic scenery. Notable sights include: Lower Manhattan skyline, Jamaica Bay, Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, Coney Island barrier beach.
How long is the flight from Milano to New York?
The flight from Malpensa (MXP) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes Approximately 9 to 10 hours.
What does the Milano to New York flight path pass over?
The route tracks northwest over the Swiss Plateau and southern Germany, then across France toward the Brittany coast. The aircraft crosses the North Atlantic via the organized track system, typically passing south of Iceland and Greenland's tip. Approaching North America, the route crosses Newfoundland and Nova Scotia before descending toward New York. Mid-ocean there is nothing but open Atlantic, but the Newfoundland coastline with its fjords and the Gulf of St. Lawrence can be visible on clear days during descent.