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RDU → CLT
Which side of the plane to sit from Raleigh Durham International Airport (Raleigh-durham) to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (Charlotte)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior views of North Carolina's prominent lakes and the impressive racing infrastructure near Charlotte.
Search flights from RDU to CLT
Research Triangle Park
Views of the sprawling campuses and wooded office parks that define the tech hub of the Raleigh-Durham area.
High Rock Lake
The northernmost of the Uwharrie lakes, featuring an intricate shoreline visible as the flight cruises westward.
Lake Norman
North Carolina's largest man-made lake, known as the 'Inland Sea,' visible just north of the flight path near Charlotte.
Charlotte Motor Speedway
The massive oval racing complex in Concord is a distinct landmark easily identifiable from the air during the descent.
The right side is ideal for spotting the Charlotte Motor Speedway and the massive expanse of Lake Norman. Late afternoon flights offer spectacular sunset views over the Appalachian foothills in the distance.
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Jordan Lake
A massive 13,900-acre reservoir visible shortly after takeoff from RDU, popular for boating and bald eagle sightings.
Uptown Charlotte Skyline
On a southern approach into CLT, passengers can see the dense cluster of skyscrapers including the Bank of America Corporate Center.
Uwharrie National Forest
Distantly visible to the south, showcasing the rolling hills and dense pine canopies of the NC Piedmont.
Sit on the left for the best chance to see the Charlotte skyline during the final descent, especially if the aircraft approaches from the north. Morning flights provide excellent lighting for the eastern reservoirs.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 209 km (130 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 21 min
Departure: RDU (35.877601623535156, -78.7874984741211)
Arrival: CLT (35.2140007019043, -80.94309997558594)
Route Type: Domestic
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