Right side dominates both takeoff and landing phases. During departure you see the Connecticut River valley and New England terrain; during descent you see the Catawba River, major reservoirs, and Charlotte's urban landscape. Left side offers only brief views of the Atlantic coastal plain during cruise.
Flown BDL to CLT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Windsor Locks to Charlotte is 643 miles (1,035 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
Hudson River valley (New York), Appalachian foothills (Pennsylvania/West Virginia border), Shenandoah Valley (Virginia), Blue Ridge Mountains running north-south through Virginia and North Carolina, Piedmont plateau transitioning to Charlotte basin
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase

Takeoff from BDL
RIGHTRight side offers views of the Connecticut River valley and the transition from New England terrain toward the Hudson River valley. You'll see the river winding through forested landscape as you climb southwestward out of Bradley.

Landing at CLT
RIGHTRight side provides excellent views of the Piedmont landscape approaching Charlotte, including the Catawba River and the transition from forested terrain to the urban sprawl of Charlotte. You'll see the city's grid pattern and surrounding lakes as you descend.
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Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Bradley International (BDL) to Charlotte Douglas International (CLT)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Windsor Locks to Charlotte. Right side dominates both takeoff and landing phases. During departure you see the Connecticut River valley and New England terrain; during descent you see the Catawba River, major reservoirs, and Charlotte's urban landscape. Left side offers only brief views of the Atlantic coastal plain during cruise.
What can I see during takeoff from Bradley International in Windsor Locks?
During takeoff from Bradley International (BDL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers views of the Connecticut River valley and the transition from New England terrain toward the Hudson River valley. You'll see the river winding through forested landscape as you climb southwestward out of Bradley. Notable sights include: Connecticut River, Metacomet Ridge (traprock ridges visible to the west), Hartford metropolitan area, Long Island Sound in the distance to the southeast.
What can I see when landing at Charlotte Douglas International in Charlotte?
When landing at Charlotte Douglas International (CLT), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides excellent views of the Piedmont landscape approaching Charlotte, including the Catawba River and the transition from forested terrain to the urban sprawl of Charlotte. You'll see the city's grid pattern and surrounding lakes as you descend. Notable sights include: Catawba River, Lake Norman and Lake Wylie (major reservoirs), Piedmont forest transitioning to Charlotte urban area, Blue Ridge Mountains visible on the distant western horizon.
How long is the flight from Windsor Locks to Charlotte?
The flight from Bradley International (BDL) to Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 643 miles (1,035 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Windsor Locks to Charlotte flight path pass over?
Hudson River valley (New York), Appalachian foothills (Pennsylvania/West Virginia border), Shenandoah Valley (Virginia), Blue Ridge Mountains running north-south through Virginia and North Carolina, Piedmont plateau transitioning to Charlotte basin