Loading map...
GIG → CLT
Which side of the plane to sit from Rio Galeão – Tom Jobim International Airport (Rio De Janeiro) to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (Charlotte)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior perspective of the Rio de Janeiro coastline upon departure, better views of the mountainous Hispaniola during the Caribbean crossing, and a direct look at the South Carolina coast during the final descent into Charlotte.
Search flights from GIG to CLT
Rio Skyline
Aerial views of Christ the Redeemer and the Tijuca Forest if the flight path tracks west after takeoff.
Brazilian Highlands
Expansive night or twilight views of the interior plateau and the mountain ranges of Minas Gerais.
Hispaniola
Stunning vistas of the rugged mountain peaks and turquoise coastlines of Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
Grand Turk & Caicos
Vibrant reef formations and deep blue ocean trenches visible during the transition to the North Atlantic.
SC Lowcountry
Intricate marshlands, barrier islands, and river systems near the South Carolina coast during the descent.
Sit on the left to avoid the direct glare of the morning sun during the Caribbean crossing. This side is ideal for viewing the sunrise's reflection on the water rather than the sun itself. Most GIG-CLT flights are overnight; landmarks in Brazil will be night-lit, so focus your viewing energy on the last 3 hours of the flight as you enter the Caribbean and US airspace.
Get eSIMs for Brazil
Get eSIMs for United States
Guanabara Bay
Clear views of the Niteroi Bridge and the dramatic granite peaks surrounding Rio's harbor during departure.
Atlantic Sunrise
An unobstructed view of the sun rising over the open Atlantic Ocean, typically occurring near the Bahamas.
The Bahamas
Views of the sprawling Exuma Cays and the shallow sandbanks that create a neon-blue water effect.
Outer Banks
Distant views of the narrow sandy strips and lighthouses along the North Carolina coastline.
Piedmont Forests
The dense canopy of the American South as the aircraft descends into the rolling hills of the Charlotte area.
The right side is perfect for early risers who want to witness the sunrise over the ocean. Keep your window shade down during the middle of the flight to allow other passengers to sleep, as the morning sun at high altitudes is extremely bright. During the final approach into CLT, keep an eye out for the skyline of uptown Charlotte, which may be visible depending on the landing runway.
Book Hotels in CharlotteDistance: 7,576 km (4,708 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 8 hrs 55 min
Departure: GIG (-22.8099994659, -43.2505569458)
Arrival: CLT (35.2140007019043, -80.94309997558594)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.