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HOU → LGA
Which side of the plane to sit from William P Hobby Airport (Houston) to La Guardia Airport (New York)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is widely considered the superior choice for this route because it offers the iconic 'River Visual' approach into LGA, providing unparalleled views of the Manhattan skyline, Central Park, and the Hudson River.
Search flights from HOU to LGA
Mississippi River
Aerial view of the massive, winding river system near the border of Louisiana and Mississippi.
Appalachian Mountains
Dramatic views of the rolling green ridges of the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains.
Manhattan Skyline
World-class views of the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, and Central Park during the final descent.
Citi Field
A direct look down into the home of the New York Mets just seconds before hitting the tarmac.
Shenandoah Valley
Lush agricultural landscapes tucked between the mountain ranges of Virginia.
Book a seat forward of the wing (Rows 1-10) to ensure an unobstructed view of Manhattan. On the final approach into LGA, pilots often bank sharply over the Hudson River; during north-to-south landings, the left side looks directly into the city. For evening flights, the city lights are spectacular, while mid-afternoon flights offer the best lighting for photography without glare.
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Gulf Coast Marshes
The intricate wetlands and bayous of Southeast Texas and Louisiana shortly after takeoff.
Chesapeake Bay
Sweeping views of the massive estuary and the bridges connecting the Maryland coastline.
Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge
The monumental suspension bridge connecting Staten Island and Brooklyn during the NYC approach.
Statue of Liberty
A distant but clear view of the harbor and the statue depending on the specific traffic pattern.
The right side is ideal for morning flights if you want to see the sunrise over the Atlantic coastline. You will have better views of the Jersey Shore and the outer boroughs of NYC (Brooklyn and Queens). Be aware that if the plane lands towards the south, you may only see the suburban sprawl of Long Island rather than the city center.
Book Hotels in New YorkDistance: 2,296 km (1,427 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 4 min
Departure: HOU (29.64539909, -95.27890015)
Arrival: LGA (40.77719879, -73.87259674)
Route Type: Domestic
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