Right side edges ahead due to superior takeoff scenery from ABE. The Lehigh Valley departure offers more dramatic terrain relief with the Appalachian ridges and foothills visible during climb-out, whereas the landing at CLT is comparable on both sides. The flight is short and over relatively modest terrain, so neither side achieves high scenic drama, but the right side's Appalachian ridge visibility during departure provides slightly more visual interest than the left side's flatter initial climb.
Flown ABE to CLT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Allentown/Bethlehem to Charlotte is 480 miles (773 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Appalachian ridge-and-valley system (Blue Mountain, Kittatinny Ridge, Shawangunk Mountains), Susquehanna River valley, Shenandoah Valley foothills, Piedmont transition zone with rolling terrain and scattered lakes, Catawba River drainage basin
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from ABE
RIGHTRight side captures the Lehigh Valley urban area and the ridge-and-valley topography of the northern Appalachians during climb-out. The terrain rises noticeably to the west and south, creating visual relief from the airport plateau.
Landing at CLT
LEFTLeft side (west) during approach to CLT offers views of the Piedmont landscape and the transition from the Appalachian foothills into the Charlotte metropolitan area. The terrain is more visually varied than the right side, with rolling hills and the urban sprawl of Charlotte becoming prominent in the final descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) to Charlotte Douglas International (CLT)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Allentown/Bethlehem to Charlotte. Right side edges ahead due to superior takeoff scenery from ABE. The Lehigh Valley departure offers more dramatic terrain relief with the Appalachian ridges and foothills visible during climb-out, whereas the landing at CLT is comparable on both sides. The flight is short and over relatively modest terrain, so neither side achieves high scenic drama, but the right side's Appalachian ridge visibility during departure provides slightly more visual interest than the left side's flatter initial climb.
What can I see during takeoff from Lehigh Valley International Airport in Allentown/Bethlehem?
During takeoff from Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side captures the Lehigh Valley urban area and the ridge-and-valley topography of the northern Appalachians during climb-out. The terrain rises noticeably to the west and south, creating visual relief from the airport plateau. Notable sights include: Lehigh Valley urban corridor (Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton), Blue Mountain ridge to the northwest, Pocono Plateau foothills to the southwest.
What can I see when landing at Charlotte Douglas International in Charlotte?
When landing at Charlotte Douglas International (CLT), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side (west) during approach to CLT offers views of the Piedmont landscape and the transition from the Appalachian foothills into the Charlotte metropolitan area. The terrain is more visually varied than the right side, with rolling hills and the urban sprawl of Charlotte becoming prominent in the final descent. Notable sights include: Charlotte skyline and downtown district, Lake Norman to the north, Piedmont rolling terrain and forested areas, Catawba River valley.
How long is the flight from Allentown/Bethlehem to Charlotte?
The flight from Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) to Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 480 miles (773 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Allentown/Bethlehem to Charlotte flight path pass over?
Appalachian ridge-and-valley system (Blue Mountain, Kittatinny Ridge, Shawangunk Mountains), Susquehanna River valley, Shenandoah Valley foothills, Piedmont transition zone with rolling terrain and scattered lakes, Catawba River drainage basin