While takeoff favors left seats for mountain views, the landing approach to LGA on right seats provides superior views of the iconic Manhattan skyline, East River, and the dramatic descent into New York airspace. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
Flown BUR to LGA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Burbank to New York is 2,454 miles (3,949 km), a flight of about 5 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses the continental United States at cruising altitude (typically 35,000-37,000 feet). Notable geographic features include: the Rocky Mountains (Colorado/Wyoming border region, visible as a distant ridge on clear days), the Great Plains (Kansas/Oklahoma, largely featureless at altitude), the Mississippi River valley (Illinois/Missouri, visible as a linear feature on clear days), the Appalachian Mountains (Pennsylvania/West Virginia, appearing as a low ridge on the eastern approach), and the Great Lakes region (Michigan/Ohio, visible as large water bodies if the flight path passes nearby). Most of the midpoint flight occurs over relatively flat terrain with scattered cloud cover typical of transcontinental routes.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BUR
LEFTBUR typically departs westbound on runways 15L/15R or 33L/33R depending on wind. Westbound departures favor left seats for views of the San Gabriel Mountains and the sprawl of the Los Angeles basin. Eastbound departures (less common) would favor right seats toward downtown LA.
Landing at LGA
RIGHTLGA has three runways: 4L/22R, 4R/22L, and 13L/31R. Most arrivals use the 4-series runways (eastbound approach). Right-seat passengers on eastbound approaches get clear views of the East River, Manhattan skyline, and Queens neighborhoods as the aircraft descends over water and urban terrain. Westbound approaches (less common) would favor left seats.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR) to La Guardia (LGA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Burbank to New York. While takeoff favors left seats for mountain views, the landing approach to LGA on right seats provides superior views of the iconic Manhattan skyline, East River, and the dramatic descent into New York airspace. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from Burbank Glendale Pasadena in Burbank?
During takeoff from Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR), sit on the Left side for the best views. BUR typically departs westbound on runways 15L/15R or 33L/33R depending on wind. Westbound departures favor left seats for views of the San Gabriel Mountains and the sprawl of the Los Angeles basin. Eastbound departures (less common) would favor right seats toward downtown LA. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains (north), Los Angeles downtown skyline (southeast), Griffith Observatory area (east), Pacific Ocean (southwest on clear days).
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. LGA has three runways: 4L/22R, 4R/22L, and 13L/31R. Most arrivals use the 4-series runways (eastbound approach). Right-seat passengers on eastbound approaches get clear views of the East River, Manhattan skyline, and Queens neighborhoods as the aircraft descends over water and urban terrain. Westbound approaches (less common) would favor left seats. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline (south), East River (central), Queens neighborhoods (north and east), Flushing Bay and Whitestone Bridge area (northeast).
How long is the flight from Burbank to New York?
The flight from Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR) to La Guardia (LGA) takes about 5 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,454 miles (3,949 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Burbank to New York flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the continental United States at cruising altitude (typically 35,000-37,000 feet). Notable geographic features include: the Rocky Mountains (Colorado/Wyoming border region, visible as a distant ridge on clear days), the Great Plains (Kansas/Oklahoma, largely featureless at altitude), the Mississippi River valley (Illinois/Missouri, visible as a linear feature on clear days), the Appalachian Mountains (Pennsylvania/West Virginia, appearing as a low ridge on the eastern approach), and the Great Lakes region (Michigan/Ohio, visible as large water bodies if the flight path passes nearby). Most of the midpoint flight occurs over relatively flat terrain with scattered cloud cover typical of transcontinental routes.