The left side wins overall because the Toronto arrival view of the CN Tower, Lake Ontario, and the islands is one of the most iconic urban approaches in North America and outweighs the right-side advantage at Malpensa departure. Midway through the flight the left side also tracks closer to the St. Lawrence River and Great Lakes corridor.
Flown MXP to YYZ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Milano to Toronto is 4,108 miles (6,612 km), a flight of about 9 hours 15 minutes.
The route crosses the Swiss and French Alps shortly after departure, then tracks over southern France and the Bay of Biscay, crosses the North Atlantic at roughly 50-55 degrees north latitude passing south of Greenland, then enters Canadian airspace over Newfoundland and Labrador, crosses the St. Lawrence River, and descends over southern Ontario approaching Toronto from the northeast over Lake Ontario.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MXP
RIGHTMalpensa's primary departure runway 35L/35R sends aircraft northward, and the right side gives you a clear view east toward Milan's urban sprawl and the Po Valley flatlands. As the aircraft banks left after departure, the right side briefly captures the southern Alps foothills rising above the Lombardy plain.
Landing at YYZ
LEFTPearson's most common arrival from the east uses runway 23, meaning the aircraft approaches from the northeast over Lake Ontario. The left side gives you the Toronto downtown skyline including the CN Tower clearly visible, plus the full sweep of Lake Ontario's northern shoreline.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Malpensa (MXP) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Milano to Toronto. The left side wins overall because the Toronto arrival view of the CN Tower, Lake Ontario, and the islands is one of the most iconic urban approaches in North America and outweighs the right-side advantage at Malpensa departure. Midway through the flight the left side also tracks closer to the St. Lawrence River and Great Lakes corridor.
What can I see during takeoff from Malpensa in Milano?
During takeoff from Malpensa (MXP), sit on the Right side for the best views. Malpensa's primary departure runway 35L/35R sends aircraft northward, and the right side gives you a clear view east toward Milan's urban sprawl and the Po Valley flatlands. As the aircraft banks left after departure, the right side briefly captures the southern Alps foothills rising above the Lombardy plain. Notable sights include: Po Valley agricultural grid, Lake Maggiore to the northwest, Milan city center skyline to the southeast, Ticino River valley below.
What can I see when landing at Lester B Pearson International in Toronto?
When landing at Lester B Pearson International (YYZ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Pearson's most common arrival from the east uses runway 23, meaning the aircraft approaches from the northeast over Lake Ontario. The left side gives you the Toronto downtown skyline including the CN Tower clearly visible, plus the full sweep of Lake Ontario's northern shoreline. Notable sights include: CN Tower and Toronto downtown skyline, Lake Ontario northern shoreline, Toronto Islands, Humber Bay.
How long is the flight from Milano to Toronto?
The flight from Malpensa (MXP) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) takes about 9 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,108 miles (6,612 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Milano to Toronto flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Swiss and French Alps shortly after departure, then tracks over southern France and the Bay of Biscay, crosses the North Atlantic at roughly 50-55 degrees north latitude passing south of Greenland, then enters Canadian airspace over Newfoundland and Labrador, crosses the St. Lawrence River, and descends over southern Ontario approaching Toronto from the northeast over Lake Ontario.