Right side scores higher due to the dramatic Palermo departure over the Tyrrhenian Sea and coastal landmarks (Monte Pellegrino, harbor), which outweighs the left side's alpine landing views. The takeoff scenery is more immediately striking and varied, while the landing approach on both sides is relatively comparable in visual interest—left has mountains but right has the plain-to-coast transition. Right side provides better overall variety across the full flight.
Flown PMO to MXP? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Palermo to Milano is 562 miles (904 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
Apennine Mountains (central spine of Italy), Arno River valley near Florence, Tuscany hills, transition from Mediterranean climate to Alpine foothills, Lake Como visible on approach to Milan region
Great circle distance and headings ›_-_24_(50543603956).jpg?width=600)
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PMO
RIGHTRight side captures Palermo's harbor and the Tyrrhenian Sea coastline during climb-out, with the Mondello beach and Monte Pellegrino visible. Left side faces inland toward flat Sicilian plains with minimal visual interest during departure.
Landing at MXP
LEFTLeft side offers superior approach scenery: the Alps dominate the descent into Malpensa, with the snow-capped peaks of Monte Rosa and the Pennine Alps visible across the entire left side of the approach corridor. Right side faces the flat Lombardy plain with minimal terrain variation.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Falcone–Borsellino Airport (PMO) to Malpensa (MXP)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Palermo to Milano. Right side scores higher due to the dramatic Palermo departure over the Tyrrhenian Sea and coastal landmarks (Monte Pellegrino, harbor), which outweighs the left side's alpine landing views. The takeoff scenery is more immediately striking and varied, while the landing approach on both sides is relatively comparable in visual interest—left has mountains but right has the plain-to-coast transition. Right side provides better overall variety across the full flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Falcone–Borsellino Airport in Palermo?
During takeoff from Falcone–Borsellino Airport (PMO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side captures Palermo's harbor and the Tyrrhenian Sea coastline during climb-out, with the Mondello beach and Monte Pellegrino visible. Left side faces inland toward flat Sicilian plains with minimal visual interest during departure. Notable sights include: Mondello Beach, Monte Pellegrino (606m limestone peak), Palermo Harbor, Tyrrhenian Sea coastline.
What can I see when landing at Malpensa in Milano?
When landing at Malpensa (MXP), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers superior approach scenery: the Alps dominate the descent into Malpensa, with the snow-capped peaks of Monte Rosa and the Pennine Alps visible across the entire left side of the approach corridor. Right side faces the flat Lombardy plain with minimal terrain variation. Notable sights include: Monte Rosa (4,634m), Pennine Alps, Lake Maggiore, Lombardy Plain.
How long is the flight from Palermo to Milano?
The flight from Falcone–Borsellino Airport (PMO) to Malpensa (MXP) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 562 miles (904 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Palermo to Milano flight path pass over?
Apennine Mountains (central spine of Italy), Arno River valley near Florence, Tuscany hills, transition from Mediterranean climate to Alpine foothills, Lake Como visible on approach to Milan region