The westbound departure from Bakersfield offers superior scenery with the Sierra Nevada and mountain ranges. While the landing into La Guardia favors the right side, the extended climb-out and cruise over the Sierra Nevada, Great Basin, and Rocky Mountains from the left side provides more dramatic and varied visual interest across the majority of the flight.
Flown BFL to LGA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Bakersfield to New York is 2,457 miles (3,954 km), a flight of about 5 hours 15 minutes.
Left side of the flight path offers views of the Sierra Nevada crest (near Mono Lake area), the Great Basin's high desert terrain, the Rocky Mountains (including the Wasatch Range near Salt Lake City), and the Colorado Plateau. The aircraft will pass over or near the Great Salt Lake, then continue eastward over the Uinta Mountains and into the high plains. Right side shows less dramatic terrain: the Central Valley, then the Great Basin's flatter sections, and eventually the Great Plains. The flight crosses multiple time zones and significant elevation changes, with the most visually distinctive features concentrated on the left (northern) side of the route.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BFL
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Sierra Nevada's southern ranges and the Kern River valley as the aircraft climbs northeastward. Right side faces the flat San Joaquin Valley with minimal visual interest during initial climb.
Landing at LGA
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Hudson River, Manhattan's skyline, and the East River as the aircraft descends into La Guardia from the west. Left side shows New Jersey's industrial areas and the Hackensack River, less visually distinctive.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Meadows Fld (BFL) to La Guardia (LGA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Bakersfield to New York. The westbound departure from Bakersfield offers superior scenery with the Sierra Nevada and mountain ranges. While the landing into La Guardia favors the right side, the extended climb-out and cruise over the Sierra Nevada, Great Basin, and Rocky Mountains from the left side provides more dramatic and varied visual interest across the majority of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Meadows Fld in Bakersfield?
During takeoff from Meadows Fld (BFL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Sierra Nevada's southern ranges and the Kern River valley as the aircraft climbs northeastward. Right side faces the flat San Joaquin Valley with minimal visual interest during initial climb. Notable sights include: Sierra Nevada (eastern horizon), Kern River valley, Tehachapi Mountains (southeast), Southern San Joaquin Valley floor.
What can I see when landing at La Guardia in New York?
When landing at La Guardia (LGA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the Hudson River, Manhattan's skyline, and the East River as the aircraft descends into La Guardia from the west. Left side shows New Jersey's industrial areas and the Hackensack River, less visually distinctive. Notable sights include: Hudson River, Manhattan skyline, East River, Queens neighborhoods and waterfront.
How long is the flight from Bakersfield to New York?
The flight from Meadows Fld (BFL) to La Guardia (LGA) takes about 5 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,457 miles (3,954 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Bakersfield to New York flight path pass over?
Left side of the flight path offers views of the Sierra Nevada crest (near Mono Lake area), the Great Basin's high desert terrain, the Rocky Mountains (including the Wasatch Range near Salt Lake City), and the Colorado Plateau. The aircraft will pass over or near the Great Salt Lake, then continue eastward over the Uinta Mountains and into the high plains. Right side shows less dramatic terrain: the Central Valley, then the Great Basin's flatter sections, and eventually the Great Plains. The flight crosses multiple time zones and significant elevation changes, with the most visually distinctive features concentrated on the left (northern) side of the route.