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CLT → RIC
Which side of the plane to sit from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (Charlotte) to Richmond International Airport (Richmond)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior perspective of North Carolina's major reservoirs, the sprawling Research Triangle region, and a scenic approach over the James River into Richmond.
Search flights from CLT to RIC
Lake Norman
North Carolina's largest man-made lake, featuring an intricate shoreline dotted with hundreds of piers and luxury homes.
The Research Triangle
Visual identification of the Durham, Raleigh, and Chapel Hill area, including the sprawling campus of RDU airport.
Kerr Lake
The massive John H. Kerr Reservoir straddling the NC/VA border, known for its jagged 'fingers' and vast blue water.
James River Meanders
Dramatic views of the winding James River as the aircraft descends toward the Richmond metropolitan area.
Morning flights provide the best illumination for the lakes and river systems. For the most iconic views of the Richmond skyline and the James River rapids during the final approach, the right side is typically more consistent depending on the landing runway at RIC.
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Uptown Charlotte
Aerial views of the Bank of America Stadium and the dense skyscraper cluster of the Queen City shortly after takeoff.
The Piedmont Triad
Clear views of Winston-Salem and Greensboro as the flight tracks northeast across the central North Carolina corridor.
Blue Ridge Horizon
On clear days, the distant silhouette of the Appalachian Mountains provides a rugged backdrop to the western horizon.
Sit on the left during late afternoon flights to catch the sunset silhouettes over the Blue Ridge Mountains. Keep your camera ready immediately after takeoff from CLT as the plane often banks, providing a steep angle over the city center.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 412 km (256 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 41 min
Departure: CLT (35.2140007019043, -80.94309997558594)
Arrival: RIC (37.50519943237305, -77.3197021484375)
Route Type: Domestic
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