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MSN → LGA
Which side of the plane to sit from Dane County Regional Truax Field (Madison) to La Guardia Airport (New York)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is the clear winner due to the iconic approach into LaGuardia, offering world-class views of the Manhattan skyline, Central Park, and the Hudson River, preceded by beautiful vistas of the Wisconsin Lakes and Upstate New York.
Search flights from MSN to LGA
Lake Mendota and Monona
Aerial view of Madison's distinctive isthmus and the state capitol building immediately after departure.
Lake Michigan Crossing
A vast crossing of the Great Lakes, often providing views of the Michigan coastline near Muskegon.
The Finger Lakes
Glacial lake formations in Upstate New York, appearing as long, thin ribbons of blue among rolling hills.
Catskill Mountains
Dense forest canopies and rugged terrain of the Appalachian range as you descend toward the coast.
Manhattan Skyline
The ultimate prize: views of Central Park, the Empire State Building, and One World Trade Center on the descent.
Sit on the left side (Seat A) for the best chance of seeing the Manhattan skyline during the 'River Visual' or 'Park Avenue' approach. For photography, a morning flight provides the best lighting on the city without the sun glaring directly into your window. During autumn, the views over the Finger Lakes and Catskills are spectacular due to the changing foliage colors.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesMilwaukee Waterfront
Depending on the specific flight path, you may see the southern Wisconsin shoreline and Milwaukee's urban center.
Lake Erie South Shore
Views looking south toward the industrial and natural landscapes of the Ohio and Pennsylvania coastlines.
Allegheny Plateau
Expansive views of the deeply dissected plateau and the lush forests of the Pennsylvania wilds.
George Washington Bridge
The massive suspension bridge connecting New Jersey to Manhattan as you enter New York airspace.
Citi Field and Flushing Meadows
Views of the New York Mets stadium and the site of the 1964 World's Fair just before touchdown.
The right side (Seat F) is excellent for observing the dense urban sprawl of Queens and Brooklyn during the final turn. If the flight takes a more southerly route, you might catch a glimpse of the Chicago skyline in the distance early in the flight. In the evening, the lights of the tri-state area are more prominent from this side as you bank over Long Island Sound.
Book Hotels in New YorkDistance: 1,303 km (810 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 44 min
Departure: MSN (43.13990020751953, -89.3375015258789)
Arrival: LGA (40.77719879, -73.87259674)
Route Type: Domestic
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