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DFW destination photo
BDL destination photo

DFWBDL

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side is favored for its perspective of the Mississippi River, the striking ridge-and-valley formations of the Appalachians, and the iconic Manhattan skyline visible on the horizon during the final approach.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🌊

Mississippi River

A spectacular view of the 'Big Muddy' with its massive oxbow lakes and heavy barge traffic.

⛰️

Appalachian Ridge

Distinctive linear mountain ridges stretching across Pennsylvania and Maryland.

🏙️

Manhattan Skyline

On many BDL arrival patterns, the skyscrapers of New York City are visible to the south.

⚓

Long Island Sound

The sparkling waters of the sound and the coastline of Connecticut during the descent.

🚜

Connecticut River Valley

Lush farmland and historic tobacco sheds as the plane lines up for the runway in Windsor Locks.

The right side is essential for the approach; as the plane descends into BDL, you often fly parallel to the coast, offering views of the NYC metro area. In autumn, the foliage over the Appalachian ridges is world-class. Afternoon flights provide excellent lighting for photographing the Mississippi crossing.

Left Side Highlights
7.2
🏞️

Arkansas River Valley

Aerial views of the winding river and the transition from the Great Plains to the Ozark plateau.

🌉

Ohio River Crossing

Watch as the flight crosses the massive Ohio River, often near the tri-state border of KY, OH, and WV.

⛰️

Catskill Mountains

Dense forest canopies and rugged terrain as the flight path skirts the northern edge of the Catskills.

🏙️

Hudson River Valley

A clear view of the historic river and the greenery of upstate New York before entering Connecticut airspace.

Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid direct glare from the sun. On clear days, you may catch a distant glimpse of the Finger Lakes to the north while over Pennsylvania or New York. During winter, this side offers the best views of snow-capped peaks in the Catskills.

Top Activities in Windsor Locks
Route Information

Distance: 2,363 km (1,468 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 9 min

Departure: DFW (32.896801, -97.038002)

Arrival: BDL (41.9388999939, -72.68319702149999)

Route Type: Domestic

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