The right side wins overall. The Beijing departure offers the most dramatic and iconic urban views of the flight, including the Forbidden City and Beijing's ring road geometry. Over the South China Sea the views are open water on both sides, but the right side also picks up the western coastline of Luzon and glimpses of the South China Sea islands during cruise. The left side is better only for the Manila Bay landing approach.
Flown PEK to MNL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Beijing to Manila is 1,787 miles (2,876 km), a flight of about 4 hours.
The route crosses the North China Plain south of Beijing, then passes over the mountainous interior of Fujian province and the Taiwan Strait. The South China Sea dominates the mid-to-late portion of the flight. The aircraft typically passes west of Taiwan, with the Philippine Sea to the east. The Luzon Strait and the northern tip of Luzon (Cagayan Valley and Sierra Madre range) are visible during descent into Manila.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from PEK
RIGHTPEK's main departure runways (36L/36R heading north, or 01) mean the aircraft typically turns southward after takeoff. A right-side seat gives views over central Beijing's urban grid, the Forbidden City complex, and Tiananmen Square as the aircraft banks south. The Western Hills (Xishan) and Fragrant Hills appear to the west on the right side during the climbing turn.
Landing at MNL
LEFTNAIA's primary arrival runways (06/24 or 13/31) typically bring aircraft in from the north or northeast over Manila Bay on approach to runway 06. A left-side seat captures Manila Bay's broad expanse, the Pasig River delta, and the Intramuros district. The Laguna de Bay lake to the southeast is also visible on the left during descent from the northeast.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Capital (PEK) to Ninoy Aquino International (MNL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Beijing to Manila. The right side wins overall. The Beijing departure offers the most dramatic and iconic urban views of the flight, including the Forbidden City and Beijing's ring road geometry. Over the South China Sea the views are open water on both sides, but the right side also picks up the western coastline of Luzon and glimpses of the South China Sea islands during cruise. The left side is better only for the Manila Bay landing approach.
What can I see during takeoff from Capital in Beijing?
During takeoff from Capital (PEK), sit on the Right side for the best views. PEK's main departure runways (36L/36R heading north, or 01) mean the aircraft typically turns southward after takeoff. A right-side seat gives views over central Beijing's urban grid, the Forbidden City complex, and Tiananmen Square as the aircraft banks south. The Western Hills (Xishan) and Fragrant Hills appear to the west on the right side during the climbing turn. Notable sights include: Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, Western Hills (Xishan range), Beijing urban grid and ring roads, Ming Tombs valley to the northwest.
What can I see when landing at Ninoy Aquino International in Manila?
When landing at Ninoy Aquino International (MNL), sit on the Left side for the best views. NAIA's primary arrival runways (06/24 or 13/31) typically bring aircraft in from the north or northeast over Manila Bay on approach to runway 06. A left-side seat captures Manila Bay's broad expanse, the Pasig River delta, and the Intramuros district. The Laguna de Bay lake to the southeast is also visible on the left during descent from the northeast. Notable sights include: Manila Bay, Laguna de Bay, Intramuros and Manila waterfront, Pasig River.
How long is the flight from Beijing to Manila?
The flight from Capital (PEK) to Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) takes about 4 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 1,787 miles (2,876 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Beijing to Manila flight path pass over?
The route crosses the North China Plain south of Beijing, then passes over the mountainous interior of Fujian province and the Taiwan Strait. The South China Sea dominates the mid-to-late portion of the flight. The aircraft typically passes west of Taiwan, with the Philippine Sea to the east. The Luzon Strait and the northern tip of Luzon (Cagayan Valley and Sierra Madre range) are visible during descent into Manila.