While left wins at takeoff, right provides superior views during the critical landing phase over Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage given the longer duration of descent views.
Flown PEK to MEL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Beijing to Melbourne is 5,662 miles (9,112 km), a flight of about 9 hours.
The flight path crosses the South China Sea, passing east of Vietnam and Cambodia, then over the Coral Sea. Notable midpoint geography includes the Malay Peninsula (if routed via Southeast Asia), the Sunda Strait region, and the vast Coral Sea. The route typically maintains altitude of 35,000-43,000 feet over open ocean for the majority of the journey, offering limited distinctive landmarks except for occasional island chains and weather systems. The descent into Melbourne begins over the Tasman Sea approximately 200 nautical miles east of the Australian coast, with the Great Dividing Range becoming visible on the left during final approach descent.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PEK
LEFTPEK typically departs north or northeast. Left seats offer views of the Ming Tombs and Yanqing District mountains as the aircraft climbs northward, with the North China Plain spreading beneath.
Landing at MEL
RIGHTMelbourne typically lands on runways 09 or 27 depending on wind. Right seats during approach from the north provide views of Port Phillip Bay, the Dandenong Ranges, and the city skyline. Descending over the bay offers clear water and coastal geography.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Capital (PEK) to Melbourne International (MEL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Beijing to Melbourne. While left wins at takeoff, right provides superior views during the critical landing phase over Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage given the longer duration of descent views.
What can I see during takeoff from Capital in Beijing?
During takeoff from Capital (PEK), sit on the Left side for the best views. PEK typically departs north or northeast. Left seats offer views of the Ming Tombs and Yanqing District mountains as the aircraft climbs northward, with the North China Plain spreading beneath. Notable sights include: Ming Tombs (northwest of PEK), Yanqing District mountains, North China Plain extending east, Juyongguan Pass in the Western Hills.
What can I see when landing at Melbourne International in Melbourne?
When landing at Melbourne International (MEL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Melbourne typically lands on runways 09 or 27 depending on wind. Right seats during approach from the north provide views of Port Phillip Bay, the Dandenong Ranges, and the city skyline. Descending over the bay offers clear water and coastal geography. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay (distinctive blue water body), Dandenong Ranges (forested ridge southeast of city), Melbourne CBD skyline, Yarra River bend through the city.
How long is the flight from Beijing to Melbourne?
The flight from Capital (PEK) to Melbourne International (MEL) takes about 9 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 5,662 miles (9,112 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Beijing to Melbourne flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the South China Sea, passing east of Vietnam and Cambodia, then over the Coral Sea. Notable midpoint geography includes the Malay Peninsula (if routed via Southeast Asia), the Sunda Strait region, and the vast Coral Sea. The route typically maintains altitude of 35,000-43,000 feet over open ocean for the majority of the journey, offering limited distinctive landmarks except for occasional island chains and weather systems. The descent into Melbourne begins over the Tasman Sea approximately 200 nautical miles east of the Australian coast, with the Great Dividing Range becoming visible on the left during final approach descent.