Right-side seats deliver the most dramatic scenery: the Alps during departure are visually striking and occur early in the flight when passengers are most alert. While left-side landing views of Hong Kong and the delta are interesting, the Alpine climb-out is more memorable and geographically distinctive.
Flown MXP to SZX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Milano to Shenzhen is 5,793 miles (9,323 km), a flight of about 11 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Mediterranean Sea (south of France and Spain), then continues southeast over North Africa (Atlas Mountains visible from altitude), crosses the Sahara Desert, then the Red Sea, over the Arabian Peninsula, and across the Indian Ocean before approaching Southeast Asia. The Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau are too far north of the typical routing. Most of the 7-8 hour cruise occurs over open ocean and desert with limited distinctive landmarks visible from cruising altitude (35,000+ feet).
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MXP
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Alps immediately after departure. Malpensa's runway 11L/29R points northeast, and climbing aircraft bank right toward the southeast corridor toward the Mediterranean. Right-side passengers see the snow-capped Alpine peaks rising directly into view within 10-15 minutes of takeoff.
Landing at SZX
LEFTShenzhen's airport (Baoan) sits on the Pearl River Delta coast. Descent approaches from the northwest over the delta's intricate waterways and industrial landscape. Left-side seats face the approach corridor and see the Shenzhen skyline, Victoria Harbour, and Hong Kong Island across the water as the aircraft descends toward runway 07L/25R.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Malpensa (MXP) to Baoan (SZX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Milano to Shenzhen. Right-side seats deliver the most dramatic scenery: the Alps during departure are visually striking and occur early in the flight when passengers are most alert. While left-side landing views of Hong Kong and the delta are interesting, the Alpine climb-out is more memorable and geographically distinctive.
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 offer views of the Alps immediately after departure. Malpensa's runway 11L/29R points northeast, and climbing aircraft bank right toward the southeast corridor toward the Mediterranean. Right-side passengers see the snow-capped Alpine peaks rising directly into view within 10-15 minutes of takeoff. Notable sights include: Southern Alps (Monte Rosa, Gran Paradiso massif), Ticino River valley, Lake Maggiore, Po River plain extending southeast.
What can I see when landing at Baoan in Shenzhen?
When landing at Baoan (SZX), sit on the Left side for the best views. Shenzhen's airport (Baoan) sits on the Pearl River Delta coast. Descent approaches from the northwest over the delta's intricate waterways and industrial landscape. Left-side seats face the approach corridor and see the Shenzhen skyline, Victoria Harbour, and Hong Kong Island across the water as the aircraft descends toward runway 07L/25R. Notable sights include: Pearl River Delta waterways and islands, Shenzhen city skyline, Victoria Harbour with Hong Kong Island, Deep Bay (Mirs Bay) to the east.
How long is the flight from Milano to Shenzhen?
The flight from Malpensa (MXP) to Baoan (SZX) takes about 11 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,793 miles (9,323 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Milano to Shenzhen flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Mediterranean Sea (south of France and Spain), then continues southeast over North Africa (Atlas Mountains visible from altitude), crosses the Sahara Desert, then the Red Sea, over the Arabian Peninsula, and across the Indian Ocean before approaching Southeast Asia. The Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau are too far north of the typical routing. Most of the 7-8 hour cruise occurs over open ocean and desert with limited distinctive landmarks visible from cruising altitude (35,000+ feet).