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LGA destination photo
MSN destination photo

LGAMSN

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers an unparalleled departure view of the Manhattan skyline and Central Park, followed by a scenic journey over the Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountains before crossing the Great Lakes.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🌆

Manhattan Skyline

Iconic views of Central Park, the Empire State Building, and Midtown skyscrapers immediately after takeoff.

🏞️

Hudson River

A long-distance view of the historic river winding north toward Albany.

🏔️

Catskill Mountains

The rugged, elevated terrain of upstate New York provides a dramatic landscape.

🚢

Great Lakes Shoreline

Views of the Lake Erie or Lake Michigan coastlines depending on the specific flight corridor.

🛶

Lake Mendota

Madison's largest lake, bordering the University of Wisconsin campus, visible during landing.

The departure from LGA is the main event; have your camera ready within the first 5 minutes of flight for the NYC skyline. Morning flights are ideal for this side to avoid glare and see the Catskills illuminated by the eastern sun.

Left Side Highlights
7.5
🏙️

New Jersey Gold Coast

Dense urban views of Jersey City and Newark shortly after takeoff.

🌲

Pocono Mountains

Rolling forested terrain and small lakes of northeastern Pennsylvania.

🌊

Lake Michigan Crossing

The deep blue waters of the lake as you approach the Wisconsin shoreline.

🏛️

Wisconsin State Capitol

The white granite dome of the capitol building is often visible on the southern approach into Madison.

🚜

Midwestern Farmland

The patchwork quilt of agricultural fields characteristic of southern Wisconsin.

Sit on the left if you want a better chance of seeing the Madison Isthmus and the State Capitol during the final descent. For sunset flights, this side will experience direct sunlight, which can be harsh for photography but beautiful for colors.

Top Activities in Madison
Route Information

Distance: 1,303 km (810 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 44 min

Departure: LGA (40.77719879, -73.87259674)

Arrival: MSN (43.13990020751953, -89.3375015258789)

Route Type: Domestic

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