While left offers excellent coastal scenery during takeoff, right provides superior views during the longer descent and approach phase, including the visually distinctive Mississippi River meanders and the iconic Gateway Arch. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
Flown CHS to STL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Charleston to St. Louis is 705 miles (1,135 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Appalachian foothills (eastern Tennessee/Kentucky), the Cumberland Plateau, and the Ohio River valley. The Ohio River is visible as a major waterway in the midpoint of the flight. The landscape transitions from coastal plain to rolling hills to river valleys. No major mountain ranges block the view, but the terrain becomes progressively more elevated moving northwest until descending into the Mississippi River valley near St. Louis.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CHS
LEFTLeft side offers immediate views of Charleston Harbor, the Atlantic coastline, and the barrier islands (Folly Island, Sullivan's Island) as the aircraft climbs northwestward. Right side faces inland toward swampy terrain with minimal visual interest during initial climb.
Landing at STL
RIGHTRight side provides excellent views of the Mississippi River's broad meanders and the St. Louis metropolitan area as the aircraft descends for approach. The Gateway Arch becomes visible on final approach, and the Illinois bluffs across the river are prominent. Left side faces less developed areas with fewer distinctive landmarks.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Charleston Afb International (CHS) to Lambert St Louis International (STL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Charleston to St. Louis. While left offers excellent coastal scenery during takeoff, right provides superior views during the longer descent and approach phase, including the visually distinctive Mississippi River meanders and the iconic Gateway Arch. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
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 Atlantic coastline, and the barrier islands (Folly Island, Sullivan's Island) as the aircraft climbs northwestward. Right side faces inland toward swampy terrain with minimal visual interest during initial climb. Notable sights include: Charleston Harbor, Atlantic Ocean, Folly Island, Sullivan's Island.
What can I see when landing at Lambert St Louis International in St. Louis?
When landing at Lambert St Louis International (STL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides excellent views of the Mississippi River's broad meanders and the St. Louis metropolitan area as the aircraft descends for approach. The Gateway Arch becomes visible on final approach, and the Illinois bluffs across the river are prominent. Left side faces less developed areas with fewer distinctive landmarks. Notable sights include: Mississippi River, Gateway Arch, St. Louis skyline, Illinois bluffs.
How long is the flight from Charleston to St. Louis?
The flight from Charleston Afb International (CHS) to Lambert St Louis International (STL) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 705 miles (1,135 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Charleston to St. Louis flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Appalachian foothills (eastern Tennessee/Kentucky), the Cumberland Plateau, and the Ohio River valley. The Ohio River is visible as a major waterway in the midpoint of the flight. The landscape transitions from coastal plain to rolling hills to river valleys. No major mountain ranges block the view, but the terrain becomes progressively more elevated moving northwest until descending into the Mississippi River valley near St. Louis.