While takeoff favors the right side for Hill Country and river views, the landing approach into LaGuardia from the west provides left-side passengers with unmatched views of the Hudson River, Manhattan skyline, and the East River—the most iconic and visually rewarding segment of this route.
Flown AUS to LGA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Austin to New York is 1,518 miles (2,443 km), a flight of about 4 hours.
The flight path crosses the Appalachian Mountains (visible as ridgelines and valleys in Pennsylvania and West Virginia), the Ohio River valley, and passes near or over major cities including Nashville, Tennessee and Charleston, West Virginia. The Allegheny Mountains appear as a series of parallel ridges running northeast-southwest. Clear-weather flights may reveal the Great Smoky Mountains to the southeast around Tennessee. As the aircraft approaches the Northeast, the Hudson River valley becomes visible, with the Catskill Mountains appearing to the northwest of the flight path.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from AUS
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Colorado River and surrounding Hill Country terrain as the aircraft climbs northeast from Austin. The left side faces inland toward less distinctive landscape.
Landing at LGA
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during descent into LaGuardia, including the Hudson River, Manhattan skyline, and the East River. The approach path from the west gives left-side passengers the most dramatic urban and water views.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Austin Bergstrom International (AUS) to La Guardia (LGA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Austin to New York. While takeoff favors the right side for Hill Country and river views, the landing approach into LaGuardia from the west provides left-side passengers with unmatched views of the Hudson River, Manhattan skyline, and the East River—the most iconic and visually rewarding segment of this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Austin Bergstrom International in Austin?
During takeoff from Austin Bergstrom International (AUS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Colorado River and surrounding Hill Country terrain as the aircraft climbs northeast from Austin. The left side faces inland toward less distinctive landscape. Notable sights include: Colorado River (visible winding through Austin), Lake Travis to the northwest, Hill Country rolling terrain, downtown Austin skyline.
What can I see when landing at La Guardia in New York?
When landing at La Guardia (LGA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during descent into LaGuardia, including the Hudson River, Manhattan skyline, and the East River. The approach path from the west gives left-side passengers the most dramatic urban and water views. Notable sights include: Hudson River, Manhattan skyline, East River, Queens neighborhoods and waterfront.
How long is the flight from Austin to New York?
The flight from Austin Bergstrom International (AUS) to La Guardia (LGA) takes about 4 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 1,518 miles (2,443 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Austin to New York flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Appalachian Mountains (visible as ridgelines and valleys in Pennsylvania and West Virginia), the Ohio River valley, and passes near or over major cities including Nashville, Tennessee and Charleston, West Virginia. The Allegheny Mountains appear as a series of parallel ridges running northeast-southwest. Clear-weather flights may reveal the Great Smoky Mountains to the southeast around Tennessee. As the aircraft approaches the Northeast, the Hudson River valley becomes visible, with the Catskill Mountains appearing to the northwest of the flight path.