While takeoff offers compelling views of Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains from the right, the landing approach into LGA from the left provides more dramatic and distinctive geography: the East River, Manhattan's iconic skyline, and the intricate urban waterfront of Queens and the Bronx. The landing views are more visually rewarding and geographically significant.
Flown BTV to LGA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Burlington to New York is 258 miles (415 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Hudson Valley, passing east of the Catskill Mountains (visible as a distant ridge to the west around midpoint). The Connecticut River valley runs roughly parallel to the route in the southern half. As the aircraft descends into the New York metro area, the Hudson River becomes visible, with the Palisades cliffs forming the western bank. The transition from rural New England to the densely developed tri-state area is gradual but noticeable, with increasing urban sprawl visible from 10,000 feet onward.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BTV
RIGHTBTV typically departs runway 15 (southbound) or 33 (northbound). Right-side seats offer the best views during southbound departures, capturing Lake Champlain's eastern shoreline and the Green Mountains receding southward. During northbound departures, right seats still provide good views of the lake's broader expanse.
Landing at LGA
LEFTLGA typically uses runways 4 or 22 depending on wind. Approaching from the north (runway 4 is common), left-side seats provide excellent views of the East River, Manhattan's skyline, and Queens neighborhoods. The descent path over the Bronx and into Flushing Bay offers dramatic urban geography on the left side.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Burlington International (BTV) to La Guardia (LGA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Burlington to New York. While takeoff offers compelling views of Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains from the right, the landing approach into LGA from the left provides more dramatic and distinctive geography: the East River, Manhattan's iconic skyline, and the intricate urban waterfront of Queens and the Bronx. The landing views are more visually rewarding and geographically significant.
What can I see during takeoff from Burlington International in Burlington?
During takeoff from Burlington International (BTV), sit on the Right side for the best views. BTV typically departs runway 15 (southbound) or 33 (northbound). Right-side seats offer the best views during southbound departures, capturing Lake Champlain's eastern shoreline and the Green Mountains receding southward. During northbound departures, right seats still provide good views of the lake's broader expanse. Notable sights include: Lake Champlain (immediate left/west), Green Mountains (southeast, receding), Adirondack Mountains (west across the lake, hazy at altitude), Burlington city grid (below/behind during climb).
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. LGA typically uses runways 4 or 22 depending on wind. Approaching from the north (runway 4 is common), left-side seats provide excellent views of the East River, Manhattan's skyline, and Queens neighborhoods. The descent path over the Bronx and into Flushing Bay offers dramatic urban geography on the left side. Notable sights include: East River (defining geographic feature), Manhattan skyline (south/southwest), Flushing Bay and Queens waterfront (immediate approach), Bronx neighborhoods and parkland (north during descent).
How long is the flight from Burlington to New York?
The flight from Burlington International (BTV) to La Guardia (LGA) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 258 miles (415 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Burlington to New York flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Hudson Valley, passing east of the Catskill Mountains (visible as a distant ridge to the west around midpoint). The Connecticut River valley runs roughly parallel to the route in the southern half. As the aircraft descends into the New York metro area, the Hudson River becomes visible, with the Palisades cliffs forming the western bank. The transition from rural New England to the densely developed tri-state area is gradual but noticeable, with increasing urban sprawl visible from 10,000 feet onward.