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ROA destination photo
LGA destination photo

ROALGA

Our Recommendation
8.8

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior view of the Appalachian Mountains upon departure and provides the iconic 'River Visual' approach view of the Manhattan skyline when landing at LGA.

Left Side Highlights
8.8
⛰️

Blue Ridge Mountains

Dramatic views of the rolling peaks and ridges immediately after departing Roanoke.

🌾

Shenandoah Valley

A scenic patchwork of farmland and the winding Shenandoah River corridor.

🏛️

Washington D.C. Distance

On clear days, the National Mall and major monuments are visible to the east.

🏙️

Philadelphia Skyline

A distant but clear view of the Center City skyscrapers as you cross into New Jersey.

🌇

Manhattan Skyline

The premier view of the Empire State Building, Central Park, and One World Trade Center.

🚢

Hudson River

The plane often tracks the river, offering a bird's-eye view of the George Washington Bridge.

Book a window seat on the left for the best chance of the legendary 'River Visual' approach into LaGuardia. Morning flights are ideal because the sun will be behind you, illuminating the Manhattan skyline perfectly. During autumn, the views of the Blue Ridge foliage are spectacular.

Right Side Highlights
7.5
🚤

Smith Mountain Lake

A large, jagged reservoir visible to the southeast shortly after takeoff.

🦀

Chesapeake Bay

The massive, shimmering expanse of the bay is visible on the eastern horizon.

🏖️

Jersey Shore

Views of the Atlantic coastline and the sandy barrier islands of New Jersey.

🗽

Statue of Liberty

Often visible in the New York Harbor during southern approaches to the airport.

🌉

Brooklyn & Manhattan Bridges

Excellent views of the spans crossing the East River during the final descent.

🎾

Flushing Meadows

The USTA National Tennis Center and Citi Field are visible just seconds before landing.

The right side is best for seeing the harbor and the outer boroughs. If the plane approaches from the south, you will get a great look at the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and Brooklyn. Sunset flights offer beautiful reflections off the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay.

Top Activities in New York
Route Information

Distance: 652 km (405 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 5 min

Departure: ROA (37.3255, -79.975403)

Arrival: LGA (40.77719879, -73.87259674)

Route Type: Domestic

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