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MCI → MSY
Which side of the plane to sit from Kansas City International Airport (Kansas City) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (New Orleans)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is generally superior for this route as it provides a clearer view of the Kansas City skyline during departure and the iconic approach over Lake Pontchartrain into New Orleans.
Kansas City Skyline
Aerial views of the Power and Light District and the Missouri River loop shortly after takeoff from MCI.
The Ozark Plateau
Rolling green hills and dense forest canopies of southern Missouri and northern Arkansas.
Mississippi River Meanders
The massive river becomes visible mid-flight, showcasing dramatic oxbow lakes and silver-blue curves.
Lake Pontchartrain Causeway
View the world's longest continuous bridge over water as you descend toward New Orleans.
New Orleans Skyline
Direct views of the Superdome, the French Quarter, and the dense urban core during the final approach.
Book a window seat on the left for the best chance to see the New Orleans city center. Afternoon flights are ideal as the sun will be behind you, lighting up the Mississippi Delta and the city's landmarks without glare. Keep your camera ready about 20 minutes before landing for the Lake Pontchartrain crossing.
Heartland Farmland
Extensive geometric patchworks of Missouri and Arkansas agriculture transitioning into the deep south.
Arkansas River Valley
A wide crossing of the Arkansas River near Little Rock with views of the rugged Ouachita mountain ridges to the west.
Louisiana Bayous
Intricate networks of swamps, marshes, and winding waterways as the plane descends into the Gulf Coast region.
Mississippi River Industry
Heavy industrial infrastructure, refineries, and massive cargo ships navigating the lower Mississippi River corridor.
The right side is perfect for evening flights to catch the sunset over the western horizon and the Ouachita Mountains. It also offers a detailed look at the complex hydrological patterns of the Louisiana wetlands and the industrial magnitude of the river's shipping lanes north of the airport.
Distance: 1,112 km (691 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 29 min
Departure: MCI (39.2976, -94.713898)
Arrival: MSY (29.99340057373047, -90.25800323486328)
Route Type: Domestic
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