Right-side seats capture the most dramatic geography: the Hill Country terrain during departure and the Mississippi River crescent plus Lake Pontchartrain during arrival. The flight path itself runs roughly south-southeast over relatively flat terrain with few major landmarks in the middle section, making the bookend views the priority.
Flown AUS to MSY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Austin to New Orleans is 442 miles (712 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight crosses flat to gently rolling terrain between Austin and New Orleans. Notable features include the Brazos River valley (south of Hearne, Texas), the Navasota River drainage, and the transition into Louisiana's coastal plain. The landscape becomes progressively flatter and more vegetated as you approach the Gulf Coastal Plain. No major mountain ranges or dramatic landmarks interrupt the middle 40 minutes of the flight; the terrain is mostly agricultural and forested lowlands.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from AUS
RIGHTAustin typically departs runway 17L/R heading south or southeast. Right-side seats give clear views of downtown Austin, Lady Bird Lake, and the Hill Country terrain rising to the west as you climb out.
Landing at MSY
LEFTArriving into MSY typically uses runways 10L/R heading east or northeast. Left-side seats offer excellent views of Lake Pontchartrain's north shore, the Mississippi River's crescent bend, and the New Orleans urban area as you descend toward the airport on the east bank.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Austin Bergstrom International (AUS) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Austin to New Orleans. Right-side seats capture the most dramatic geography: the Hill Country terrain during departure and the Mississippi River crescent plus Lake Pontchartrain during arrival. The flight path itself runs roughly south-southeast over relatively flat terrain with few major landmarks in the middle section, making the bookend views the priority.
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. Austin typically departs runway 17L/R heading south or southeast. Right-side seats give clear views of downtown Austin, Lady Bird Lake, and the Hill Country terrain rising to the west as you climb out. Notable sights include: Downtown Austin skyline, Lady Bird Lake (Colorado River), Hill Country ridge lines to the west, Colorado River valley extending south.
What can I see when landing at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International in New Orleans?
When landing at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Arriving into MSY typically uses runways 10L/R heading east or northeast. Left-side seats offer excellent views of Lake Pontchartrain's north shore, the Mississippi River's crescent bend, and the New Orleans urban area as you descend toward the airport on the east bank. Notable sights include: Lake Pontchartrain (massive freshwater lake), Mississippi River crescent bend, New Orleans urban grid, Bayou Bienvenue to the southeast.
How long is the flight from Austin to New Orleans?
The flight from Austin Bergstrom International (AUS) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 442 miles (712 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Austin to New Orleans flight path pass over?
The flight crosses flat to gently rolling terrain between Austin and New Orleans. Notable features include the Brazos River valley (south of Hearne, Texas), the Navasota River drainage, and the transition into Louisiana's coastal plain. The landscape becomes progressively flatter and more vegetated as you approach the Gulf Coastal Plain. No major mountain ranges or dramatic landmarks interrupt the middle 40 minutes of the flight; the terrain is mostly agricultural and forested lowlands.