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MSY → DFW
Which side of the plane to sit from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (New Orleans) to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (Dallas-Fort Worth)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is generally superior as it provides a front-row seat to the dramatic Mississippi River Delta upon takeoff and offers a higher probability of viewing the Dallas skyline during the approach into DFW.
Mississippi River Delta
The intricate, bird-foot delta where the Mississippi meets the Gulf is visible shortly after takeoff from MSY.
New Orleans CBD
Clear views of the Superdome and the skyscrapers of the Central Business District during the initial climb.
Louisiana Coastline
Glittering views of the bayous and the edge of the Gulf of Mexico as the plane heads west.
Downtown Dallas
A stunning panorama of the Dallas skyline, including Reunion Tower, is often visible on the descent.
I-20 Corridor
Follow the main artery connecting the South to the West as you cross into the Piney Woods of East Texas.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the southern sun. For the best photography of the Mississippi River's curves, choose a window seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat haze. During the DFW arrival, if the plane lands toward the north, the left side offers the most direct view of the Dallas urban core.
Lake Pontchartrain Causeway
Look for the world's longest continuous bridge over water stretching across the massive lake north of the city.
Atchafalaya Basin
The largest wetland and swamp in the United States, appearing as a vast, green-and-blue mosaic of water and cypress trees.
Red River
Easily identifiable by its distinct reddish-brown silt as you fly near the Shreveport and Bossier City area.
Arlington Sports District
On many approaches, you can spot the massive silver roof of AT&T Stadium and the adjacent Globe Life Field.
East Texas Piney Woods
The dense, deep green canopy of the Sam Houston and Sabine National Forests transitions into the Texas plains.
The right side is perfect for sunset flights, as you will see the sky transition into vibrant oranges and purples over the Texas horizon. Keep your camera ready shortly after takeoff to capture the scale of Lake Pontchartrain. If the flight path takes a more northerly route into DFW, you might catch a glimpse of Lewisville Lake just before landing.
Distance: 719 km (447 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 12 min
Departure: MSY (29.99340057373047, -90.25800323486328)
Arrival: DFW (32.896801, -97.038002)
Route Type: Domestic
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