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DSM → CLT
Which side of the plane to sit from Des Moines International Airport (Des Moines) to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (Charlotte)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side typically offers a superior view of the winding Ohio River valley and a more dramatic entry over the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains before descending into the Piedmont region of North Carolina.
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Mississippi River Crossing
Aerial view of the massive Mississippi River marking the border between the Midwestern states.
Cincinnati Metro
Distant views of the Cincinnati skyline and the sprawling suburbs along the Ohio River.
Appalachian Ridges
Stunning views of the ancient, folded mountain ridges as you cross into the Eastern United States.
George Washington Forest
Expansive views of dense national forest canopies stretching toward the horizon.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid direct glare from the sun while flying southeast. This side is also excellent for spotting the dense greenery of the Appalachian range and the industrial beauty of the Ohio River valley.
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Midwest Patchwork
Vibrant geometric patterns of Iowa and Illinois farmland transitioning into the rolling hills of Kentucky.
Ohio River Meanders
Spectacular views of the massive river bends and the heavy barge traffic near the Kentucky border.
Cumberland Plateau
The rugged, elevated terrain of the Cumberland Plateau provides a textured landscape transition.
Uptown Charlotte
Clear views of the Queen City's modern skyscrapers during the final approach into CLT.
The right side is ideal for late afternoon flights to witness the sunset over the distant Great Smoky Mountains. Keep an eye out for the distinctive skyline of Uptown Charlotte as the plane makes its final turn toward the airport runways.
Book Hotels in CharlotteDistance: 1,311 km (815 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 45 min
Departure: DSM (41.53400039672852, -93.66310119628906)
Arrival: CLT (35.2140007019043, -80.94309997558594)
Route Type: Domestic
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