While the takeoff offers excellent Rocky Mountain scenery on the right, the landing approach into LaGuardia provides more dramatic and iconic views on the left with the Hudson River, Manhattan skyline, and East River. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
Flown BTM to LGA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Butte to New York is 1,953 miles (3,143 km), a flight of about 5 hours.
The flight path crosses the Great Plains eastbound, passing over or near the Black Hills of South Dakota (visible as a distinct elevated region if the flight path runs south of the direct route), then continues over the Upper Midwest crossing the Mississippi River valley, and eventually transitions into the Appalachian region before descending into the New York metropolitan area. The most notable midpoint feature is the Mississippi River valley, visible as a wide drainage system with meandering bends and agricultural patchwork. Depending on the specific routing, flights may pass near or over Lake Michigan or other Great Lakes features in the northern route variant.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BTM
RIGHTRight side captures the Northern Rocky Mountains immediately after departure. The Anaconda Range and Pintlar Range dominate the eastern and southeastern skyline, with the Continental Divide visible as a distinct ridge line. Left side shows lower terrain toward the Deer Lodge Valley.
Landing at LGA
LEFTLeft side provides the best views during the descent approach into LaGuardia. The Hudson River is clearly visible on the left during the final approach vectors, along with Manhattan's skyline and the East River. Right side shows Queens and outer boroughs with less distinctive visual interest.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Bert Mooney Airport (BTM) to La Guardia (LGA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Butte to New York. While the takeoff offers excellent Rocky Mountain scenery on the right, the landing approach into LaGuardia provides more dramatic and iconic views on the left with the Hudson River, Manhattan skyline, and East River. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from Bert Mooney Airport in Butte?
During takeoff from Bert Mooney Airport (BTM), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side captures the Northern Rocky Mountains immediately after departure. The Anaconda Range and Pintlar Range dominate the eastern and southeastern skyline, with the Continental Divide visible as a distinct ridge line. Left side shows lower terrain toward the Deer Lodge Valley. Notable sights include: Anaconda Range, Pintlar Range, Continental Divide, Butte Hill (visible below during climb-out).
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 provides the best views during the descent approach into LaGuardia. The Hudson River is clearly visible on the left during the final approach vectors, along with Manhattan's skyline and the East River. Right side shows Queens and outer boroughs with less distinctive visual interest. Notable sights include: Hudson River, Manhattan skyline, East River, George Washington Bridge (visible during approach).
How long is the flight from Butte to New York?
The flight from Bert Mooney Airport (BTM) to La Guardia (LGA) takes about 5 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 1,953 miles (3,143 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Butte to New York flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Great Plains eastbound, passing over or near the Black Hills of South Dakota (visible as a distinct elevated region if the flight path runs south of the direct route), then continues over the Upper Midwest crossing the Mississippi River valley, and eventually transitions into the Appalachian region before descending into the New York metropolitan area. The most notable midpoint feature is the Mississippi River valley, visible as a wide drainage system with meandering bends and agricultural patchwork. Depending on the specific routing, flights may pass near or over Lake Michigan or other Great Lakes features in the northern route variant.