While the Lake Erie departure is a nice regional touch, the right side wins overall because the Manhattan skyline and New York Harbor approach into EWR is a genuinely iconic, high-density urban view that outshines the flat farmland and rolling Appalachian terrain seen elsewhere on this short flight.
Flown CLE to EWR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Cleveland to Newark is 403 miles (649 km), a flight of about 1 hour 25 minutes.
Allegheny Plateau ridgelines of eastern Ohio and northern Pennsylvania, with the forested ridges near the Pocono Mountains visible as the flight descends toward the New Jersey lowlands.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CLE
LEFTCLE sits just a few miles south of Lake Erie, and departures typically turn out over the open lake before settling onto an eastbound course, giving left-side passengers a sweeping water view along with a glimpse of downtown Cleveland's lakefront skyline. The right side only sees flat Ohio farmland and suburbs as the plane climbs away from the lake.
Landing at EWR
RIGHTArrivals into EWR from the west commonly line up on runway 4, approaching from the south over Staten Island and Newark Bay before turning northeast onto final. This puts the Manhattan skyline and Upper New York Bay on the right side of the aircraft during the descent, a dramatic contrast to the marshland and refineries visible on the left.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Cleveland Hopkins International (CLE) to Newark Liberty International (EWR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Cleveland to Newark. While the Lake Erie departure is a nice regional touch, the right side wins overall because the Manhattan skyline and New York Harbor approach into EWR is a genuinely iconic, high-density urban view that outshines the flat farmland and rolling Appalachian terrain seen elsewhere on this short flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Cleveland Hopkins International in Cleveland?
During takeoff from Cleveland Hopkins International (CLE), sit on the Left side for the best views. CLE sits just a few miles south of Lake Erie, and departures typically turn out over the open lake before settling onto an eastbound course, giving left-side passengers a sweeping water view along with a glimpse of downtown Cleveland's lakefront skyline. The right side only sees flat Ohio farmland and suburbs as the plane climbs away from the lake. Notable sights include: Lake Erie shoreline, downtown Cleveland skyline (Terminal Tower area), Cleveland harbor/breakwater.
What can I see when landing at Newark Liberty International in Newark?
When landing at Newark Liberty International (EWR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arrivals into EWR from the west commonly line up on runway 4, approaching from the south over Staten Island and Newark Bay before turning northeast onto final. This puts the Manhattan skyline and Upper New York Bay on the right side of the aircraft during the descent, a dramatic contrast to the marshland and refineries visible on the left. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Upper New York Bay, Statue of Liberty area, Staten Island.
How long is the flight from Cleveland to Newark?
The flight from Cleveland Hopkins International (CLE) to Newark Liberty International (EWR) takes about 1 hour 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 403 miles (649 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Cleveland to Newark flight path pass over?
Allegheny Plateau ridgelines of eastern Ohio and northern Pennsylvania, with the forested ridges near the Pocono Mountains visible as the flight descends toward the New Jersey lowlands.