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DSM → LGA
Which side of the plane to sit from Des Moines International Airport (Des Moines) to La Guardia Airport (New York)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior primarily due to the approach into LGA, which frequently follows the Hudson River or circles Manhattan, offering iconic views of the skyline, Central Park, and the Great Lakes earlier in the flight.
Search flights from DSM to LGA
Mississippi River
The flight crosses the massive river shortly after departure, marking the boundary between Iowa and Illinois.
Chicago & Lake Michigan
Depending on the flight path, you can often see the Chicago skyline and the vast blue horizon of Lake Michigan.
Lake Erie Shoreline
Beautiful views of the northern Ohio coastline and the industrial hubs near Cleveland.
Appalachian Mountains
Aerial perspectives of the folded ridges and valleys of the Pennsylvania mountain range.
Manhattan Skyline
On the 'River Visual' approach, you get an unparalleled view of Central Park and the Midtown skyscrapers.
Hudson River
A close-up look at the George Washington Bridge and the piers lining the West Side of Manhattan.
Sit on the left for the best chance to see the NYC skyline on descent. For afternoon flights, this side will be shaded, reducing glare for photography. Watch for the 'River Visual' approach where the plane banks hard over the Hudson River for a spectacular entry into Queens.
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Get eSIMs for United States
Iowa Farmland
Perfectly geometric green and gold fields stretching to the horizon immediately after takeoff.
Susquehanna River
A wide, scenic river crossing in central Pennsylvania with many small islands visible.
Northern New Jersey
The dense industrial landscapes and complex highway interchanges leading into the New York metro area.
Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge
Visible in the distance if the plane approaches LGA from the south over the Atlantic/Brooklyn.
Citi Field
A direct view of the New York Mets' stadium just seconds before the wheels touch the tarmac.
The right side is better for seeing the sprawling suburban landscapes of the Midwest and the industrial heart of Jersey. If landing on Runway 4, you may see the Statue of Liberty in the distance to the west. Be prepared for direct sunlight on southern-facing morning flights.
Book Hotels in New YorkDistance: 1,655 km (1,028 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 12 min
Departure: DSM (41.53400039672852, -93.66310119628906)
Arrival: LGA (40.77719879, -73.87259674)
Route Type: Domestic
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