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LGA → CLT
Which side of the plane to sit from La Guardia Airport (New York) to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (Charlotte)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior for this route because it offers an iconic aerial view of the Manhattan skyline immediately after takeoff from LGA, followed by a scenic journey along the Atlantic coastline and over the Chesapeake Bay.
Manhattan Skyline
Unrivaled views of the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center shortly after takeoff depending on the runway.
Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge
A massive suspension bridge connecting Staten Island and Brooklyn visible as the flight turns south toward the coast.
Jersey Shore
Lush coastal views of Sandy Hook and the long stretches of Atlantic beaches heading toward South Jersey.
Chesapeake Bay
A stunning mosaic of water and land as the aircraft crosses the northern section of the largest estuary in the United States.
Book a window seat on the left for morning flights to avoid the harsh glare of the afternoon sun. On departure, have your camera ready within the first five minutes for the best NYC skyline photos. As you cross into Maryland, watch for the intricate patterns of the Chesapeake Bay tributaries which look especially striking during the mid-morning light.
Philadelphia Skyline
A distant but clear view of the skyscrapers in Center City and the winding Delaware River.
Appalachian Foothills
The rolling greenery of the Piedmont and the distant ridges of the Blue Ridge Mountains as you enter North Carolina.
Charlotte Motor Speedway
The massive racing oval in Concord is often visible as a distinct landmark during the final descent into CLT.
Uptown Charlotte
A close-up view of Charlotte's banking district and the Bank of America Stadium if approaching from the northeast.
The right side is ideal for evening departures to witness the sunset over the Appalachian Mountains to the west. On the approach to Charlotte, look for the Charlotte Motor Speedway which serves as a great landmark for timing your landing. If the flight path takes an inland route, keep an eye out for the suburban sprawl of the Baltimore-Washington metro area.
Distance: 875 km (544 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 28 min
Departure: LGA (40.77719879, -73.87259674)
Arrival: CLT (35.2140007019043, -80.94309997558594)
Route Type: Domestic
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