About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Ninoy Aquino International (MNL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to Manila. While the landing approach favors left-side views, the takeoff from Shanghai offers more dramatic and extended scenic viewing of the Yangtze estuary and coastal geography. Right-side seats capture the most visually distinctive phase of this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Shanghai Pudong International in Shanghai?
During takeoff from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Yangtze River estuary and Hangzhou Bay as the aircraft climbs southwestward from Shanghai Pudong. The river's distinctive braided channels and tidal mudflats are clearly visible during the initial climb phase. Notable sights include: Yangtze River estuary with its characteristic sediment patterns, Hangzhou Bay's curved coastline, Shanghai urban sprawl extending inland, East China Sea.
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. Left-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Manila, particularly of Laguna de Bay (the largest freshwater lake in the Philippines) and the Manila Bay coastline. The approach path from the northeast gives left-side passengers a direct view of these major water features and the city's geography. Notable sights include: Laguna de Bay with its distinctive irregular shoreline, Manila Bay's curved coastline, Luzon's central plains, Manila city proper and Makati district.
How long is the flight from Shanghai to Manila?
The flight from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) takes Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes.
What does the Shanghai to Manila flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the East China Sea heading southwest. Notable features include the Taiwan Strait (visible to the right/west during cruise), the northern coast of Taiwan (occasionally visible depending on exact routing), and the Luzon Strait as the aircraft approaches the Philippines. The route typically maintains altitude between 28,000 and 35,000 feet over open water with limited ground features visible during the cruise phase, though clear days may offer distant views of Taiwan's mountain spine on the western horizon.