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BUF → CLE
Which side of the plane to sit from Buffalo Niagara International Airport (Buffalo) to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (Cleveland)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior vantage point as the flight path primarily hugs the southern shoreline of Lake Erie, providing a continuous view of the water's expanse and the coastal geography.
Lake Erie Shoreline
Uninterrupted views of the coastline where the deep blue of the lake meets the sandy beaches and bluffs.
Presque Isle State Park
The iconic recurved sand spit peninsula arching into the lake at Erie, Pennsylvania.
Ashtabula Harbor
A major industrial port with visible coal and ore docks and massive cargo freighters.
Cleveland Skyline
A dramatic view of the Terminal Tower and Key Tower during the final approach into Cleveland.
North Coast Harbor
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and FirstEnergy Stadium are often visible when landing from the east.
Choose the right side for the quintessential Great Lakes experience. During evening flights, you will be treated to a sunset over the water. As you approach Cleveland Hopkins, sit near the window to catch the transition from the lakefront to the urban core. For the best view of the Erie peninsula, be ready about 15-20 minutes after takeoff.
Chautauqua Wine Country
Aerial views of the extensive vineyards spanning the Lake Erie Escarpment in New York.
Chautauqua Lake
A prominent 17-mile long inland lake located in the southwestern corner of New York State.
Allegheny Plateau
The rolling hills and dense forest patches of the northern Appalachian foothills in Pennsylvania.
Rail Corridors
Mainline tracks for Norfolk Southern and CSX visible as they cut through the rural landscape.
The left side is preferable during morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun reflecting off Lake Erie. It offers a look at the diverse agricultural patterns and the start of the Appalachian terrain. Keep an eye out for the distinct grid patterns of small Pennsylvania towns like North East and Harborcreek.
Distance: 308 km (191 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 31 min
Departure: BUF (42.94049835, -78.73220062)
Arrival: CLE (41.4117012024, -81.8498001099)
Route Type: Domestic
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