While takeoff offers Charleston's harbor views on the left, the landing approach on the right provides more dramatic and extended scenic value—the Great South Bay and Fire Island barrier system are visually striking and occupy a longer portion of the descent. Right side captures the most memorable portion of this route.
Flown CHS to ISP? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Charleston to Islip is 667 miles (1,073 km), a flight of about 2 hours.
The flight path crosses the Outer Banks of North Carolina (Cape Hatteras visible from altitude), then proceeds over the Atlantic coastal plain. Notable midpoint features include the Pamlico Sound region, the Neuse River estuary near New Bern NC, and the transition into the Mid-Atlantic coastal zone. The Delaware Bay and Chesapeake Bay are passed to the west at distance. The New Jersey Pine Barrens and coastal New Jersey marshlands appear in the final approach phase before reaching Long Island.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CHS
LEFTLeft side offers immediate views of Charleston Harbor, the Ashley River, and the downtown Charleston peninsula as the aircraft climbs northeastward. The Cooper River and barrier islands are also visible during initial climb.
Landing at ISP
RIGHTRight side provides excellent views during descent into Long Island MacArthur. The aircraft approaches from the southwest, and right-side seats show the Great South Bay, Fire Island barrier island, and the Long Island coastline in detail.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Charleston Afb International (CHS) to Long Island Mac Arthur (ISP)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Charleston to Islip. While takeoff offers Charleston's harbor views on the left, the landing approach on the right provides more dramatic and extended scenic value—the Great South Bay and Fire Island barrier system are visually striking and occupy a longer portion of the descent. Right side captures the most memorable portion of this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Charleston Afb International in Charleston?
During takeoff from Charleston Afb International (CHS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers immediate views of Charleston Harbor, the Ashley River, and the downtown Charleston peninsula as the aircraft climbs northeastward. The Cooper River and barrier islands are also visible during initial climb. Notable sights include: Charleston Harbor, Ashley River, Cooper River, Atlantic barrier islands (Folly Island, Sullivan's Island).
What can I see when landing at Long Island Mac Arthur in Islip?
When landing at Long Island Mac Arthur (ISP), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides excellent views during descent into Long Island MacArthur. The aircraft approaches from the southwest, and right-side seats show the Great South Bay, Fire Island barrier island, and the Long Island coastline in detail. Notable sights include: Great South Bay, Fire Island, Long Island Sound, Atlantic Ocean coastline.
How long is the flight from Charleston to Islip?
The flight from Charleston Afb International (CHS) to Long Island Mac Arthur (ISP) takes about 2 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 667 miles (1,073 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Charleston to Islip flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Outer Banks of North Carolina (Cape Hatteras visible from altitude), then proceeds over the Atlantic coastal plain. Notable midpoint features include the Pamlico Sound region, the Neuse River estuary near New Bern NC, and the transition into the Mid-Atlantic coastal zone. The Delaware Bay and Chesapeake Bay are passed to the west at distance. The New Jersey Pine Barrens and coastal New Jersey marshlands appear in the final approach phase before reaching Long Island.