While the takeoff offers Alpine scenery on the left, the landing approach provides more dramatic and distinctive geography. The Thames estuary and Essex coastline are visually striking and unique, whereas the Alps are visible from many European routes. Right-side seats capture the most memorable portion of this flight.
Flown MXP to STN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Milano to London is 579 miles (932 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Alps via the Gotthard Pass corridor (around 46.5°N 8.6°E), then traverses the Swiss plateau and Jura Mountains before crossing into France near Geneva. Over France, the flight passes east of the Massif Central. The aircraft then crosses the English Channel near the Strait of Dover, with the white cliffs of Dover visible on the right (north) side during descent. The North Downs and Chiltern Hills appear as low ridges in the landscape approaching Essex. The entire route offers consistent views of European geography, but the Alps at takeoff and the Thames estuary at landing are the two most visually distinctive segments.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MXP
LEFTLeft side offers immediate views of the Alps as the aircraft climbs northwestward from Malpensa. The southern Alpine foothills and Lake Como are positioned directly on the left during the initial climb-out phase.
Landing at STN
RIGHTRight side provides the best views during descent into Stansted. The aircraft approaches from the southeast, and the right side faces toward the Thames estuary, Essex coastline, and the North Sea. You'll see the distinctive geography of East Anglia and the Essex coast.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Malpensa (MXP) to Stansted (STN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Milano to London. While the takeoff offers Alpine scenery on the left, the landing approach provides more dramatic and distinctive geography. The Thames estuary and Essex coastline are visually striking and unique, whereas the Alps are visible from many European routes. Right-side seats capture the most memorable portion of this flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Malpensa in Milano?
During takeoff from Malpensa (MXP), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers immediate views of the Alps as the aircraft climbs northwestward from Malpensa. The southern Alpine foothills and Lake Como are positioned directly on the left during the initial climb-out phase. Notable sights include: Southern Alps (Monte Rosa massif visible on clear days), Lake Como, Prealpine foothills, Milan urban sprawl receding behind.
What can I see when landing at Stansted in London?
When landing at Stansted (STN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides the best views during descent into Stansted. The aircraft approaches from the southeast, and the right side faces toward the Thames estuary, Essex coastline, and the North Sea. You'll see the distinctive geography of East Anglia and the Essex coast. Notable sights include: Thames estuary and its tidal mudflats, Essex coastline, North Sea, East Anglian agricultural plains.
How long is the flight from Milano to London?
The flight from Malpensa (MXP) to Stansted (STN) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 579 miles (932 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Milano to London flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Alps via the Gotthard Pass corridor (around 46.5°N 8.6°E), then traverses the Swiss plateau and Jura Mountains before crossing into France near Geneva. Over France, the flight passes east of the Massif Central. The aircraft then crosses the English Channel near the Strait of Dover, with the white cliffs of Dover visible on the right (north) side during descent. The North Downs and Chiltern Hills appear as low ridges in the landscape approaching Essex. The entire route offers consistent views of European geography, but the Alps at takeoff and the Thames estuary at landing are the two most visually distinctive segments.