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CLT → ALB
Which side of the plane to sit from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (Charlotte) to Albany International Airport (Albany)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the Appalachian mountain chain, including the Blue Ridge and Catskill ranges, providing a continuous landscape of ridges and valleys.
Blue Ridge Mountains
Witness the iconic blue-misted peaks of the Southern Appalachians shortly after departure from Charlotte.
Shenandoah Valley
A sweeping view of the fertile valley sandwiched between the Blue Ridge and the Alleghenies in Virginia.
Susquehanna River
Cross over the wide, winding Susquehanna River as the flight traverses central Pennsylvania.
Catskill Mountains
As you begin your descent into Albany, the rugged, forested peaks of the Catskills dominate the horizon.
Choose the left side for afternoon flights to avoid direct sunlight and enjoy the golden hour over the mountains. During the fall (late September to October), this side provides a front-row seat to the vibrant autumn foliage across Virginia and Pennsylvania.
Piedmont Plateau
Observe the rolling hills and dense forests of the Piedmont region extending toward the Atlantic coast.
Northeast Corridor
On clear days, the distant urban density of the I-95 corridor, including glimpses of major metro areas, is visible.
Hudson River Valley
During the final approach, enjoy views of the historic Hudson River as it flows toward the Atlantic.
Albany State Capitol
Get a bird's-eye view of New York's capital city and the unique architecture of the Empire State Plaza.
The right side is best for morning flights when the sun is in the east, illuminating the landscape below. Keep an eye out for the Hudson River during descent, as it serves as a primary navigational landmark for the approach into ALB.
Distance: 1,040 km (646 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 23 min
Departure: CLT (35.2140007019043, -80.94309997558594)
Arrival: ALB (42.74829864501953, -73.80169677734375)
Route Type: Domestic
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