While takeoff favors the left for Boston Harbor views, the landing approach on runway 01 (the more common eastbound arrival for this westbound route) provides superior views of Madison's distinctive twin-lake geography and the State Capitol from the right side. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
Flown BOS to MSN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Boston to Madison is 930 miles (1,496 km), a flight of about 2 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses central New York State, passing south of the Finger Lakes region and north of the Catskill Mountains. Over Pennsylvania, you'll cross the Appalachian ridges running northeast-southwest. The route then transitions into Ohio and Indiana farmland before reaching Wisconsin. Lake Michigan remains visible to the north for much of the Wisconsin approach. The terrain gradually transitions from forested eastern highlands to the flatter glaciated landscape of the Midwest.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BOS
LEFTBOS typically departs runway 04R or 22L depending on wind. For westbound departures on 04R (northeast heading initially), left seats capture the Atlantic coastline and Boston Harbor as you climb. The left bank during the initial westward turn reveals the Charles River and Boston's urban core before heading inland.
Landing at MSN
RIGHTMSN approaches from the east on runway 01 or 19 depending on wind. For typical eastbound arrivals on runway 01 (northbound final), right seats offer views of the Isthmus of Madison, Lakes Mendota and Monona, and the Wisconsin State Capitol dome as you descend through 5,000-8,000 feet on final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS) to Dane Co Rgnl Truax Fld (MSN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Boston to Madison. While takeoff favors the left for Boston Harbor views, the landing approach on runway 01 (the more common eastbound arrival for this westbound route) provides superior views of Madison's distinctive twin-lake geography and the State Capitol from the right side. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from General Edward Lawrence Logan International in Boston?
During takeoff from General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS), sit on the Left side for the best views. BOS typically departs runway 04R or 22L depending on wind. For westbound departures on 04R (northeast heading initially), left seats capture the Atlantic coastline and Boston Harbor as you climb. The left bank during the initial westward turn reveals the Charles River and Boston's urban core before heading inland. Notable sights include: Boston Harbor with its islands, Charles River estuary, Atlantic Ocean coastline, Back Bay and downtown Boston skyline.
What can I see when landing at Dane Co Rgnl Truax Fld in Madison?
When landing at Dane Co Rgnl Truax Fld (MSN), sit on the Right side for the best views. MSN approaches from the east on runway 01 or 19 depending on wind. For typical eastbound arrivals on runway 01 (northbound final), right seats offer views of the Isthmus of Madison, Lakes Mendota and Monona, and the Wisconsin State Capitol dome as you descend through 5,000-8,000 feet on final approach. Notable sights include: Lake Mendota, Lake Monona, Wisconsin State Capitol building, Isthmus of Madison.
How long is the flight from Boston to Madison?
The flight from General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS) to Dane Co Rgnl Truax Fld (MSN) takes about 2 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 930 miles (1,496 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Boston to Madison flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central New York State, passing south of the Finger Lakes region and north of the Catskill Mountains. Over Pennsylvania, you'll cross the Appalachian ridges running northeast-southwest. The route then transitions into Ohio and Indiana farmland before reaching Wisconsin. Lake Michigan remains visible to the north for much of the Wisconsin approach. The terrain gradually transitions from forested eastern highlands to the flatter glaciated landscape of the Midwest.