The right side wins overall due to the dramatic Alpine views during departure and the strong likelihood of seeing Greenland's southern coastline and glaciers during the North Atlantic crossing, both far more visually striking than the flatter scenery on the left.
Flown MXP to PHL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Milano to Philadelphia is 4,078 miles (6,563 km), a flight of about 9 hours 10 minutes.
Southern tip of Greenland with coastal glaciers and fjords, followed by the Labrador Sea and Canadian Maritime coastline before descending over the northeastern United States
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MXP
RIGHTDeparting Malpensa northbound before turning west, the right side offers a clear view of the Alps rising beyond the Po Valley, with snow-capped peaks stretching along the horizon. The left side only shows the flatter Lombardy plain and Milan's outskirts.
Landing at PHL
LEFTOn approach into PHL from the north, the turn toward the westbound runways brings Philadelphia's skyline and the Delaware River into view on the left side. The right side mostly shows New Jersey suburbs and flat farmland.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Malpensa (MXP) to Philadelphia International (PHL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Milano to Philadelphia. The right side wins overall due to the dramatic Alpine views during departure and the strong likelihood of seeing Greenland's southern coastline and glaciers during the North Atlantic crossing, both far more visually striking than the flatter scenery on the left.
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 northbound before turning west, the right side offers a clear view of the Alps rising beyond the Po Valley, with snow-capped peaks stretching along the horizon. The left side only shows the flatter Lombardy plain and Milan's outskirts. Notable sights include: Alps foothills, Po Valley, Milan suburbs, Ticino River.
What can I see when landing at Philadelphia International in Philadelphia?
When landing at Philadelphia International (PHL), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into PHL from the north, the turn toward the westbound runways brings Philadelphia's skyline and the Delaware River into view on the left side. The right side mostly shows New Jersey suburbs and flat farmland. Notable sights include: Philadelphia skyline, Delaware River, Camden waterfront, Schuylkill River confluence.
How long is the flight from Milano to Philadelphia?
The flight from Malpensa (MXP) to Philadelphia International (PHL) takes about 9 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,078 miles (6,563 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Milano to Philadelphia flight path pass over?
Southern tip of Greenland with coastal glaciers and fjords, followed by the Labrador Sea and Canadian Maritime coastline before descending over the northeastern United States