Right-side seats win overall due to the dramatic Alpine scenery during takeoff from Malpensa, which is the most visually distinctive segment of this route. While the landing into Orly favors left seats, the Alps during climb-out provide more striking geographical features than the Seine approach.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the Alps near the Mont-Blanc massif (visible from both sides depending on exact routing), then descends over the Jura Mountains and into the Burgundy plateau. The Saône River valley becomes visible during the descent phase. Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) may be visible to the north if the routing passes near the Swiss border. The transition from Alpine terrain to the flatter Île-de-France agricultural region occurs gradually over the final 45 minutes of flight.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MXP
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Alps during the initial climb northwestward from Malpensa. The Ticino River valley and the dramatic snow-capped peaks of Monte Rosa and the Gran Paradiso massif are clearly visible as you gain altitude, providing stunning contrast against the Lombardy plains below.
Landing at ORY
LEFTLeft-side seats offer the best views during descent into Orly, particularly the Seine's distinctive loops through Paris and the city's major landmarks. Depending on runway assignment (typically 26L/26R or 08L/08R), a left-side seat captures the Seine's meanders, central Paris districts, and the approach path over the Île-de-France region.
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 Orly (ORY)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Milano to Paris. Right-side seats win overall due to the dramatic Alpine scenery during takeoff from Malpensa, which is the most visually distinctive segment of this route. While the landing into Orly favors left seats, the Alps during climb-out provide more striking geographical features than the Seine approach.
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 capture the Alps during the initial climb northwestward from Malpensa. The Ticino River valley and the dramatic snow-capped peaks of Monte Rosa and the Gran Paradiso massif are clearly visible as you gain altitude, providing stunning contrast against the Lombardy plains below. Notable sights include: Ticino River valley, Monte Rosa (4,634m), Gran Paradiso massif, Lake Maggiore (partially visible to the north).
What can I see when landing at Orly in Paris?
When landing at Orly (ORY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best views during descent into Orly, particularly the Seine's distinctive loops through Paris and the city's major landmarks. Depending on runway assignment (typically 26L/26R or 08L/08R), a left-side seat captures the Seine's meanders, central Paris districts, and the approach path over the Île-de-France region. Notable sights include: Seine River with its characteristic loops, Île-de-France agricultural patchwork, Fontainebleau Forest (southern approach), Paris urban sprawl.
How long is the flight from Milano to Paris?
The flight from Malpensa (MXP) to Orly (ORY) takes Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Milano to Paris flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Alps near the Mont-Blanc massif (visible from both sides depending on exact routing), then descends over the Jura Mountains and into the Burgundy plateau. The Saône River valley becomes visible during the descent phase. Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) may be visible to the north if the routing passes near the Swiss border. The transition from Alpine terrain to the flatter Île-de-France agricultural region occurs gradually over the final 45 minutes of flight.