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CLE → ALB
Which side of the plane to sit from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (Cleveland) to Albany International Airport (Albany)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the Lake Erie shoreline, potential glimpses of Niagara Falls to the north, and a clear perspective of the Mohawk Valley during the descent.
Cleveland Skyline
Aerial views of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Lake Erie waterfront immediately after departure.
Lake Erie Shoreline
A continuous view of the southern coast of the Great Lake as the plane heads east toward New York.
Niagara Falls
On clear days with a northerly flight path, the mist and scale of the falls are visible in the distance past Buffalo.
Northern Finger Lakes
Views of the northern tips of the glacial lakes, including Canandaigua and Seneca Lakes.
Mohawk River & Erie Canal
The historic water corridor that carved the path for the New York State Thruway into Albany.
Choose the left side for morning flights to keep the sun behind you. This side is also best for spotting the sprawling suburbs of Rochester and Syracuse as you pass by to the north.
Cuyahoga Valley
Lush greenery and winding river views of the National Park located just south of Cleveland.
Allegheny Plateau
The transition from the flat Great Lakes plains into the rugged, rolling hills of the Southern Tier.
Southern Finger Lakes
Excellent views of the deep blue waters and surrounding vineyards of the Keuka and Cayuga lake regions.
Catskill Mountains
The high peaks of the Catskill range are visible to the south during the final approach into Albany.
Empire State Plaza
The distinct brutalist architecture of Albany's government center often appears during the final turn to land.
The right side is ideal for late afternoon flights to catch the 'golden hour' light hitting the Catskill Mountains. Look for the distinct 'Y' shape of Keuka Lake about midway through the flight.
Distance: 680 km (423 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 8 min
Departure: CLE (41.4117012024, -81.8498001099)
Arrival: ALB (42.74829864501953, -73.80169677734375)
Route Type: Domestic
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