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MCI → LGA
Which side of the plane to sit from Kansas City International Airport (Kansas City) to La Guardia Airport (New York)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is widely considered the 'money side' for this route, primarily due to the approach into LaGuardia. Depending on the wind direction, aircraft often perform the 'Park Visual' or an approach over the East River, offering a front-row seat to the entire Manhattan skyline and Central Park.
Search flights from MCI to LGA
Missouri River
Aerial views of the winding Missouri River immediately following takeoff from MCI.
Chicago & Lake Michigan
On a clear day, looking north may reveal the distant skyline of Chicago and the blue horizon of the Great Lakes.
The Poconos
The scenic, forested rolling hills of Northeastern Pennsylvania as you begin your descent.
Manhattan Skyline
The iconic view of the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, and One World Trade Center.
Central Park
A perfect rectangular green oasis visible during the final minutes of the approach.
George Washington Bridge
A stunning view of the bridge connecting New Jersey and Manhattan over the Hudson River.
Book a window seat on the left (typically 'A' seats) for the best NYC views. For evening flights, the city lights are breathtaking. If the flight arrives from the North, you'll see the Hudson River Valley; if from the South, you'll get the 'Park Visual' which is the best view in American commercial aviation. Choose a seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat blur.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDowntown Kansas City
Views of the KC skyline and the T-Mobile Center if departing toward the south.
St. Louis Gateway Arch
Often visible to the south as the flight crosses the Mississippi River into Illinois.
Appalachian Ridges
The distinct, long parallel 'folds' of the ridge-and-valley province in Central Pennsylvania.
Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge
The massive suspension bridge connecting Staten Island and Brooklyn during a southern approach.
Citi Field & US Open
Clear views of the New York Mets stadium and the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center just before touchdown.
The right side is excellent for observing the unique geology of the Appalachian Mountains. It is also the preferred side for sunset views during winter months when the sun stays lower in the southern sky. If the plane lands toward the south (Runway 22), the right side actually gets the better view of the Manhattan skyline instead of the left.
Book Hotels in New YorkDistance: 1,778 km (1,105 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 22 min
Departure: MCI (39.2976, -94.713898)
Arrival: LGA (40.77719879, -73.87259674)
Route Type: Domestic
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