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CLT → SYR
Which side of the plane to sit from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (Charlotte) to Syracuse Hancock International Airport (Syracuse)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the Appalachian Mountains' unique ridge-and-valley topography and the scenic Finger Lakes region during descent.
Blue Ridge Mountains
Lush, rolling peaks of the southern Appalachians visible shortly after departing Charlotte.
Shenandoah Valley
Expansive green valley nestled between the Blue Ridge and the Allegheny Mountains in Virginia.
Ridge-and-Valley PA
Striking parallel mountain ridges of central Pennsylvania that look like corduroy from cruising altitude.
Susquehanna River
The wide, winding path of one of the oldest rivers in the world as it cuts through the Pennsylvania landscape.
Finger Lakes Region
Glimpses of Skaneateles and Otisco Lakes as the plane begins its final descent into Central New York.
Sit on the left for the best daytime views of the Appalachian chain. In autumn, the foliage colors are spectacular from this side. Early morning flights provide dramatic shadows across the mountain ridges. Keep your camera ready about 15-20 minutes before landing to catch the southernmost Finger Lakes.
Piedmont Plateau
The transitional forested region between the Atlantic coastal plain and the mountains.
East Coast Corridor
Distant views of the urban glow from the DC and Philadelphia metro areas on clear nights.
Pocono Mountains
View of the plateau and resort regions in Northeastern Pennsylvania during the mid-flight segment.
Syracuse Skyline
Aerial view of downtown Syracuse and the University Hill area during the standard landing pattern.
Choose the right side for night flights to see the distant illuminated metropolitan areas of the Northeast megalopolis. During winter, the snow-covered Pocono plateau offers a serene landscape. Watch for the Syracuse city center and the Carrier Dome during the final turn to the airport runway.
Distance: 972 km (604 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 37 min
Departure: CLT (35.2140007019043, -80.94309997558594)
Arrival: SYR (43.11119842529297, -76.1063003540039)
Route Type: Domestic
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