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LIT destination photo
STL destination photo

LITSTL

Our Recommendation
7.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side typically provides the most iconic views of the St. Louis skyline, including the Gateway Arch, especially during southern approaches to Lambert International.

Right Side Highlights
7.5
🌲

Mark Twain National Forest

Vast stretches of Missouri's oak-hickory forest offering deep greens in summer and vibrant oranges in fall.

🗼

The Gateway Arch

The world-famous 630-foot stainless steel monument on the west bank of the Mississippi River.

🏞️

Meramec River

A scenic waterway winding through the rugged limestone bluffs of the Missouri Ozarks.

🏟️

Busch Stadium

The home of the St. Louis Cardinals is often visible alongside the downtown skyline during the descent.

To maximize your chances of seeing the Gateway Arch, choose a seat ahead of the wing on the right side. On clear mornings, the sun will illuminate the Arch's steel surface. Note that the view of the Arch depends on the active runway; a southern approach (landing on the 30s) is the most scenic for this side.

Left Side Highlights
6.5
🏙️

Downtown Little Rock

Aerial view of the Arkansas State Capitol and the Clinton Presidential Center immediately after takeoff.

⛰️

Ozark Foothills

Rolling terrain and dense canopy of the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest visible to the northwest.

🛶

Lake Conway

A massive man-made lake known for its 'stump fields' and unique ecosystem north of Little Rock.

🌊

Missouri River

The winding Missouri River snaking through the landscape as you enter the St. Louis metro airspace.

Sit on the left for evening flights to capture the sun setting over the Ozark Plateau. During departure from Little Rock, look out the window immediately to see the sharp bend in the Arkansas River and the city center. This side is also best for avoiding direct glare during morning departures.

Top Activities in St. Louis
Route Information

Distance: 476 km (296 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 48 min

Departure: LIT (34.729400634799994, -92.2242965698)

Arrival: STL (38.748697, -90.370003)

Route Type: Domestic

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