About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Stansted (STN) to Malpensa (MXP)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Milano. While takeoff favors the right, the landing approach to Malpensa on the left side provides the most dramatic and memorable views of the Alps and Lake Como. The left side captures the defining geography of the entire route's destination region.
What can I see during takeoff from Stansted in London?
During takeoff from Stansted (STN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Stansted typically departs eastbound (Runway 22) or westbound (Runway 04). For either direction, right-side seats offer the best views of the Essex coastline and North Sea approaches. Eastbound departures give views of the Thames Estuary and Kent coast receding to the right; westbound departures show London's sprawl and the Home Counties to the right as you climb. Notable sights include: Thames Estuary, North Sea coast near Great Yarmouth, London metropolitan area (visible as urban haze to the west), Colchester area.
What can I see when landing at Malpensa in Milano?
When landing at Malpensa (MXP), sit on the Left side for the best views. Malpensa has two parallel runways (Runways 35L/35R for northwesterly approaches, or 17L/17R for southeasterly). Most international traffic uses the 35-series runways. Left-side seats on approach from the north or northwest offer views of the Alps rising dramatically ahead, Lake Como to the east, and the Lombardy plain. The descent path crosses the Ticino River valley with excellent views of the pre-Alpine foothills. Notable sights include: The Alps (Monte Rosa and Pennine Alps on the horizon), Lake Como (visible as a long blue slash to the east), Ticino River valley, Lombardy Plain.
How long is the flight from London to Milano?
The flight from Stansted (STN) to Malpensa (MXP) takes Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.
What does the London to Milano flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the English Channel (visible as a narrow strip of water roughly 30 minutes after takeoff), then passes over northern France with the Seine Valley and Parisian region to the south. Over France, the Jura Mountains appear on the horizon to the southeast around the 90-minute mark. The Swiss Alps become increasingly prominent as you approach the Alps proper, with Lake Geneva visible to the left (east) during the final 45 minutes. The Rhône Valley runs roughly parallel to the flight path through eastern France and into Switzerland.