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BHM → LGA
Which side of the plane to sit from Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (Birmingham) to La Guardia Airport (New York)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior for this route as it offers the iconic view of the Manhattan skyline during the final approach into LaGuardia, alongside continuous views of the Appalachian ridgelines.
Appalachian Mountains
Stunning views of the ancient, folded ridges of the Appalachian range stretching through Virginia and Pennsylvania.
Shenandoah National Park
Lush forest canopies and the famous Skyline Drive winding through the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Susquehanna River
A massive, winding river crossing near Harrisburg, notable for its wide, shallow bed and numerous islands.
Manhattan Skyline
Unrivaled views of Central Park, the Empire State Building, and One World Trade Center during the descent.
Hudson River
The final glide path often follows the Hudson, showing the contrast between the Jersey Palisades and NYC.
Book a window seat on the left for the 'Park Visual' or 'River Visual' approach to LGA, which provides the best photo opportunities of the city. Morning flights are preferred to keep the sun behind you, avoiding glare while highlighting the mountain textures and urban architecture.
Chesapeake Bay
A vast view of the Maryland coastline and the intricate network of inlets and islands in the bay.
Washington D.C. & Baltimore
On clear days, the monuments of the capital and the Inner Harbor of Baltimore are visible in the distance.
Philadelphia
A bird's-eye view of the Delaware River and the dense urban grid of the City of Brotherly Love.
Jersey Shore
The Atlantic coastline and the string of barrier islands stretching up toward New York Harbor.
Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge
A clear view of the massive suspension bridge connecting Staten Island and Brooklyn during the final turn.
The right side is excellent for evening flights to see the dense 'megalopolis' lights of the Northeast Corridor. Look for the distinct grid patterns of Philadelphia and the glowing span of the Verrazzano bridge. Sit forward of the wing to ensure your view of the Atlantic coastline isn't obscured by the engine.
Distance: 1,393 km (866 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 51 min
Departure: BHM (33.56290054, -86.75350189)
Arrival: LGA (40.77719879, -73.87259674)
Route Type: Domestic
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